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Gym

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 Gym)

  • Location View
    • The Gym is located west of the river, close to the Queens' College pedestrian entrance in Silver Street.
    • In addition to the main pedestrian entrance, you can also access the Gym from Lyon Court.
    • There is not wayfinding signage along the route to the Gym.
    • Other services / Facilities within the building include; Squash Courts and the Bowett Room.
    • Queens' College link (new tab) - click here.
  • Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities View
    • Female standard toilet facilities are located within the female changing area.
    • Male standard toilet facilities are located within the male changing area.
    • Standard changing facilities are located ahead of the main entrance, 1m from the Gym.
    • Standard shower facilities are located within the male and female changing area.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • This entrance gives access to the gym and squash courts.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Bowett Room, Gym, Squash Courts'.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • There is a push pad/button to exit the main automatic doors.
    • The entry push pad or push button is 115cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 106cm.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the majority of the building.
  • Circulation View
    • There are no doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • There are corridors/walkways with a surface width of less than 120cm (excluding any permanent obstructions over a small distance).
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet.
    • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
  • Safe Place(s) View
    • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does not play background music in communal areas.
    • There is no step free access to the first floor.

Gym

  • There are manual, heavy, double doors to access the gym.
  • The door(s) open(s) towards you.
  • The width of the door opening is 118cm.
  • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
  • The door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • The gym is not staffed.
  • There is not an emergency alarm in the gym.
  • There is not clear manoeuvring space between equipment.
  • There is level access to all of the equipment.
  • Equipment suitable for mobility or sensory impaired users includes; free weights.
  • Background music is not played.
  • The flooring in the gym consists of wood.
  • There is flooring with a shiny finish which could cause issues with glare or be perceived as slippery.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • There are mats on the floor that could be potential trip hazards.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located to your right on entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 10m from the main entrance.
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by the stairs are G and 1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The depth of the steps is 29cm.
    • The steps are 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 not cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are not 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 provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are good.
  • Other Information View
    • The service(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are Bowett Room and the viewing gallery.

Changing Area

  • Changing Area View
    • There is a/are changing area(s) available.
    • The changing area that was surveyed is located ahead of the main entrance.
    • The changing area is approximately 3m from the main entrance.
    • The changing area is approximately 1m from the Gym.
    • There is step-free access to the changing area.
    • The facilities available within the changing area include; standard showers and standard toilets.
    • This is a male changing area.
    • Similar female changing area(s) are available.
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 70cm.
    • The type of flooring in the changing area is tiles.
    • There is a flashing fire alarm beacon within the changing area.
    • There are changing benches or seats within the changing area.
    • There are lockers within the changing area.
    • There is not a water dispenser available.
    • The lighting levels in the changing area are moderate to good.
  • Shower Facilities View
    • Shower facilities are available.
    • There is step-free access to the shower facilities.
    • There is a small lip into the shower cubicle.
    • The shower head height(s) is/are adjustable.
    • The shower control type(s) is/are twist/turn.
    • There is not a/are not wall-mounted grab rail(s) available for the shower(s).
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • Toilet facilities are available.
    • There is step-free access to the toilet(s).
    • An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is not available.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • The lighting levels in the toilet(s) are moderate to good.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are not available.
  • Comments View
    • Photographs 1 to 7 refer to the male changing area.
    • Photographs 8 to 14 refer to the female changing area.

Accessible Toilet(s)

  • There is not an/are not accessible toilet(s) available.
  • The nearest accessible toilet(s) is/are located off Lyon Court.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • The nearest standard toilet(s) is/are located within the changing areas.