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Common Rooms - Cripps Court

Queens' College, Silver Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB3 9ET

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Access Guide

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Getting To and Around Queens' College

  • Arriving By Car or Bike View
    • Queens’ College is situated in Cambridge city centre. The vehicle entrance to the site is located in Silver Street. Silver Street has a Bus Gate at its west end at the junction of Queen’s Road (the Backs), Sidgwick Avenue, and Newnham Road. Only buses and taxis may enter or leave Silver Street at this junction, so it is advised to access the College site from the east end of Silver Street (Trumpington Street). There are various Park and Ride schemes for people who would prefer to not drive into central Cambridge.
    • Parking at College is limited, and by permit only. Visitors are advised to check arrangements before they set off and call at the Porters’ Lodge on arrival to pick up a parking permit. The main parking area is located along the western edge of the College site, to the rear of the Fisher Building, Fitzpatrick Hall and Lyon Court. The parking also extends underneath Lyon Court. Students are generally not permitted to use cars in the immediate locality unless given permission based on specific requirements.
    • Cycling is a popular form of transport in Cambridge. The city is relatively flat and there is an extensive network of cycle routes.
    • For more information on getting to Queens' College by car please click here (opens new tab).
    • For more information on cycle routes and maps in Cambridge please click here (opens new tab).
  • By Bus View
  • By Train View
  • Accessing the College Site View
    • The main pedestrian entrance to the College site is located on Silver Street.
      This is via the Porters’ Lodge, which has a single, automatic door, 125cm wide at its entrance.
      There is an intercom, 125cm high, and a card reader, 95cm high, outside the entrance, and a slight slope (photograph 1).
      There are double automatic doors, 109cm wide, at the far end of the Porters’ Lodge leading out to the College.
      There is also a slight slope leading to and just beyond these doors (photograph 2).
    • There are several points where the main College site is accessed from the car park.
      Opposite the main vehicle entrance, there is an entrance via the Fisher Building.
      This has a gate, 114cm wide, then 2 automatic doors, 138cm and 136cm wide, accessed by a steep ramp, 112cm wide with handrails both sides, leading to the first door, and a further ramp, 118cm wide with handrails both sides, or 2 marked, 15cm high steps, leading to the second door (photographs 3-5).
      There is also a gap between the Fisher Building and the rear of Fitzpatrick Hall with a dropped kerb leading up from the car park to the front of the Fisher Building.
      There is a steep ramp with handrails both sides leading up the side of Fitzpatrick Hall, next to the electric car charging points (photograph 6).
      This gives access to Cripps Court via 2 automatic doors in Block FF.
      Further along there are 7 unmarked steps without handrails, leading up to Lyon Court (photograph 7).
      There are also 17 unmarked steps with handrails both sides, which lead up to Lyon Court from the underground car park (Photograph 8).
    • Docketts Gate is located on Queens’ Lane and can be used to give pedestrian access to the area of the College on the east side of the River Cam.
      The gate opens automatically away from you and is 120cm wide (photograph 9).
      There is a card reader 100cm at this entrance, and also an intercom, 120cm high, on the far side of the gate (photograph 10).
      There is a slight slope/dropped kerb with a cobbled surface in front of the gate (photograph 11) and a slight concrete slope just inside, leading down to Friars’ Court (photograph 12).
  • Getting Around the College Site View
    • From the Porters’ Lodge, there is a steep slope to the left leading down to the Fisher Building and the bike sheds, which has a brick block surface (photograph 13).
      There is a level covered walkway with a flagstone surface straight ahead from the Porters’ Lodge leading to Cripps Court, which also has a flagstone surface which can be uneven in places (photograph 14).
      There is a cut through on the far side of Cripps Court which leads through to Lyon Court (photograph 15), which also has a level, flagstone surface.
      There is a raised, covered area within this court containing benches and tables, which is accessed by a steep ramp or a medium height marked step (photograph 16).
      There is also seating available on the level areas (photograph 17).
    • Just before you get to Cripps Court from the Porters’ Lodge, there is a flagstone path with a slight slope to the right which leads to the Mathematical Bridge (photograph 18).
      The bridge links the east and west sides of the College site but has a very steep gradient and handrails on both sides (photograph 19).
      The bridge can be bypassed by exiting the site at the Porters’ Lodge, crossing the river via the Silver Street Bridge, then turning left into Queens’ Lane and re-entering the site via Dokett Gate.
      Just before the bridge, there is a path to the left with a slight slope that leads down to a gravel path beside the Cam (photograph 20).
      This leads to the Grove.
    • Just inside Dokett Gate is Friars Court, which has a tarmac, concrete and flagstone surface, with a slight slope which can be uneven in places (photograph 21).
      On the other side of the Chapel is Walnut Tree Court, which has a tarmac surface, is uneven in places, and has a slight slope leading up past the Chapel (photograph 22).
      To the right has you enter from Friars’ Court there is a gap in the wall that leads to the Fellows’ Garden via a steep ramp or 3 unmarked steps with handrails on both sides (photograph 23).
      Opposite the Chapel, there is a cut through to Old Court, which is 124cm wide with a slight slope leading up (photograph 24).
      Old Court has a flagstone surface, uneven in places and with some slight slopes (photograph 25).
      There is also a cut through from Walnut Tree Court to Cloister Court, which is 92cm wide at its narrowest (photograph 26).
      The paths in the centre of Cloister Court have a paving slab surface with a steep slope on the central path at the near end (photograph 27).
      That slope can be used to overcome the steps in the cloisters either side.
      The cloisters have a flagstone surface, uneven in places (photograph 28).
      On the far side of Cloister Court from Walnut Tree Court is a cut through to Old Court, which has a flagstone surface, uneven in places, with a slight gradient (photograph 29).
      There is also a cut through from Cloister Court leading to the Mathematical Bridge.
  • Additional College Site Information View
    • Many of the buildings at Queens’ College have stepped access into and around them (photographs 30 and 31).
      Due to the age of the buildings the staircases do vary in materials and layout.
      The height and depths of steps are not uniform, and neither is lighting, handrail provision/type or step markings.
      There are some buildings which have been adapted to make them step-free, including access ramps to bypass external steps (photograph 32) and internal lifts to access other floors.
      Please see our Detailed Access Guides for further information on access to buildings.
    • There is good directional signage (photograph 33) around the site which means those unfamiliar with the layout will be able to find their way to the main parts of the college.
      Accessible toilet facilities are located just off Lyon Court and in the JCR Office Building off Walnut Tree Court.

Useful Information

Site/Campus Car Park

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located to the side and rear of the west side of the College site, accessed off Silver Street.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are the Fisher Building, Fitzpatrick Hall, Gym, Squash Courts, Lyon Court and Cripps Court.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by staff, visitors and Blue Badge holders.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is step free access from this car park.
    • Buildings are not clearly signposted from this car park.
    • There is not a campus map available within the car park.
    • There are no designated Blue Badge bays within the car park, however, bays can be reserved for Blue Badge holders if requested in advance.
      The car park has a tarmac. concrete tile and concrete surface.
      There are 2 electric car charging bays located next to the ramp leading up to Lyon Court (Photograph 5).
      Part of the car park is underground (Photographs 6 and 7). There is a 220cm height limit at the entrance to this area (Photograph 8).

Getting To (The Common Rooms)

  • Location View
    • The Common Rooms are located on the ground, first and third floors off the AA Staircase.
    • AA Staircase is located off Cripps Court which is situated to the west of the river and can be accessed from the main pedestrian entrance on Silver Street.
    • There is not wayfinding signage along the route to the Common Rooms.
    • Queens' College link (new tab) - click here.
  • Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities View
    • Accessible toilet facilities are located on the fourth floor.
    • Shared standard toilet facilities are located on the ground floor, opposite the MCR Woodville Room.
    • Gender neutral toilet facilities are located on the ground floor within the MCR Woodville Room.

Outside Access (AA Staircase Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'AA'.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key card reader is 107cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • There is a push pad/button to enter the main automatic doors.
    • The entry push pad or push button is 95cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 207cm.

Outside Access (MCR Woodville Room External Route to Step Free Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off Cripps Court.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are push pad activated.
    • The width of the door opening is 156cm (5ft 1in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located to the right as you face the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp.
    • The ramp does have handrails.
    • The handrails are on both sides.
    • The width of the ramp is 118cm (3ft 10in).
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is / are 3 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • There is tactile paving at the top and bottom of the step(s).
    • The step(s) is / are not clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The handrails are on both sides.

Breakout Space(s) (MCR Woodville Room)

  • Signage for the room(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible on or near the door.
  • The corridor outside the room(s) is not sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
  • There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
  • There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
  • There is not fixed furniture within the room(s).
  • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) is 37cm.
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There is a/are chair(s) with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
  • Floor coverings in the room(s) are not even.
  • The MCR Room is located on the ground floor.
    The entrance from the MCR Woodville Room external route entrance is step free via two automatic doors.
    The first door opens with a width of 85cm and is opened via a push pad (photograph 1).
    The second door with a width of 75cm is opened via a key card reader at a height of 100cm (photograph 2).
    There is an alternative stepped entrance leading into the room.
    This consists of two sets of manual doors with widths of over 75cm between which are three deep unmarked steps with no handrails (photographs 3, 4 and 5).
    There is a small kitchen within the MCR Room accessed by a door with a width of 64cm.
    The height of the kitchen counter is 90cm.
    There is not a 150cm x 150cm turning space within the kitchen
    There is gender neutral toilet in the room accessed by a door with a width of 64cm.
    There is a an unobstructed 150cm x 150cm turning space beyond the stepped entrance but not beyond the step free entrance even if furniture is moved.
    Rugs and carpets may serve as trip hazards.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located to the right as you enter.
    • The stairs are approximately 1m from the entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by the stairs are G, 1, 2, 3 and 4.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are moderate to good.

Lift

  • The lift is located ahead as you enter.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2, 3 and 4.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 630kg.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is medium.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is low.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 125cm x 125cm (4ft 1in x 4ft 1in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are moderate to good.

Breakout Space(s) (Armitage Room - Postgraduate Study Room)

  • Signage for the room(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible on or near the door.
  • The corridor outside the room(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • There is step free access into the room(s) from the corridor.
  • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
  • The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
  • There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
  • There is some fixed furniture within the room(s).
  • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) ranges between 71cm and 76cm.
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There is a/are chair(s) with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
  • The room does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • Floor coverings in the room(s) are not even.
  • The room is located on the first floor. The Armitage Room is subdivided into four smaller rooms. There is an entrance to the east of the Armitage Rooms into Armitage 1. There is an entrance to the west of the Armitage Rooms near the SCR into Armitage 4. There is a lip between the wooden and carpeted flooring in the room which could serve as a trip hazard. There are coffee tables with a height of 42cm available. There is a kitchen counter and sink in Armitage 2 with a height of 94cm. (Photograph 8) There is a selection of books available in the Armitage Room which can be requested by Undergraduate Students from the Library Staff. There is a moveable partition wall Armitage 1 can be separated from the rest of the Armitage Room to form a small meeting room. (Photographs 19 and 20). There is a 75cm door in Armitage 3 leading to leading to the Hall Gallery. (Photographs 21 and 22).

Breakout Space(s) (SCR)

  • Signage for the room(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible on or near the door.
  • The corridor outside the room(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • There is step free access into the room(s) from the corridor.
  • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
  • The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
  • There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
  • There is not fixed furniture within the room(s).
  • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) ranges between 25cm and 54cm.
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There is a/are chair(s) with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
  • The room does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.
  • Comments View
    • The SCR Room is located on the first floor.
    • There is a small kitchen within the SCR Room.
    • The height of the counter is 91cm.
    • There is no 150cm x 150cm turning space in the kitchen.

Breakout Space(s) (JCR)

  • Signage for the room(s) is not available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible on or near the door.
  • The corridor outside the room(s) is not sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • There is step free access into the room(s) from the corridor.
  • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
  • The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
  • There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
  • There is not fixed furniture within the room(s).
  • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) ranges between 30cm and 71cm.
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There is a/are chair(s) with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
  • The room does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.
  • Comments View
    • There is a small lip to overcome to access the room.
    • The JCR Room is located on the third floor.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Fourth Floor - Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the fourth floor of Cripps.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 11m (12yd 1in) from the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is light.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is good.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 163cm x 280cm (5ft 4in x 9ft 2in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The height of the light switch/pull cord is 97cm from floor level.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 102cm (3ft 4in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a waste disposal bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are general waste (with lid) disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 98cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 73cm (2ft 5in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 99cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
  • Comments View
    • There is an additional wash basin that is 81cm in height and has twist/turn taps.
    • There is a standard shower within the facility.
    • There is 1 deep step to access the shower.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The gender neutral toilet is located at the rear of the MCR Woodville Room.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access into the toilet(s).
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 83cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The shared toilet is located opposite the MCR Woodville Room.
    • There is stepped access into the toilet(s).
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 78cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.