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Old Kitchens

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 Old Kitchens)

  • Location View
    • The Old Kitchens is located on the east side of the Campus across the river via a bridge from the Porters' Lodge. It can also be accessed via Dokett Gate off Queens' Lane and through Old Court. It has two entrances.
    • The door to enter in the cut through between Old Court and Cloister/Pump Court is on the left-hand side when heading from Old Court. This is the most accessible entrance.
      The Old Kitchens can also be accessed via Pump Court. This can be via Cloister Court and through one of two archways from the cloisters into Pump Court. One of these entrances into Pump Court involves a few short flights of stairs.
    • The route from Dokett Gate via Old Court avoids the bridge from the west side of Campus and is step-free. This route leads to the ramped entrance into the Old Kitchens and so only ramps/slopes are used from that entrance into the room itself.
    • There is wayfinding signage along the route to the Old Kitchens.
    • Queens' College link (new tab) - click here.
    • The Old Hall link (new tab) - click here.
  • Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities View
    • Female standard toilet facilities are located within the Pump Court entrance.
    • Male standard toilet facilities are located within the Pump Court entrance.

Approach (From Old Court to Cut Through Entrance - Step-free Accessible Route)

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is stone/concrete tiles.
    • The approach surface is uneven in places.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope on the approach.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent, has a steep gradient and has a handrail on the left going up.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 145cm (4ft 9in).
  • Comments View
    • The ramp is 2m long. The ramp has a slight lip from Old Court into the cut through. The ramp has a non-slip surface (Photographs 2 and 3).
    • The gate is permanently held open and opens into the cut through.

Approach (From Cloister Court to Old Kitchens / Old Hall Cut Through Entrances)

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is stone/concrete tiles.
    • The approach surface is uneven in places.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope on the approach.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent, has a steep gradient and has no handrails.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • The ramp/slope does not bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a/are step(s) on the approach.
    • There is/are 5 unmarked step(s), with no handrails.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 16cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
  • Comments View
    • There are two ways of approaching this entrance from Cloister Court.
    • The first is round the right-hand side of Cloister Court next to Pump Court. There are two archways, the second with a gate that is permanently held open to a width of 119cm. This approach has a long slight slope, uneven slab paving causing some short steep slopes and 5 unmarked steps at the archways before the entrance (Photographs 1, 7, 8 and 9).
    • The second is through the path central to Cloister Court, through the archway to the right-hand side which is 88cm wide (Photographs 2-6) and the second gated archway. This approach has a steep slope, uneven slab paving and the 3 unmarked steps at the gated second archway (held open).
    • Some steps at the gated archway have been worn down in the centre to around 10cm high. They are broken in places (Photograph 9).

Outside Access (Step-free Ramped Entrance within the Cut Through between Cloister Court and Old Court)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located opposite the Old Hall, centrally to the cut through on the left-hand side from Old Court.
    • This entrance gives access to The Old Kitchens.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped 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.
    • The main door(s) open(s) both ways.
    • The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 59cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) both ways.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 110cm.
    • The key hole on the first set of doors is 108cm high.
      The key hole on the second set of doors is 110cm high.
      Both doors can be permanently held open into the ramped corridor between doors.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located between the entrance doors, 2m from the first entrance doors from the cut through.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 137cm (4ft 6in).
  • Comments View
    • The slope is 4m (Photographs 3 and 4).

Approach (First Entrance into Pump Court from Cloister Court)

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is stone/concrete tiles.
    • The approach surface is uneven in places.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope on the approach.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent, has a slight gradient and has no handrails.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • Comments View
    • When entering Cloister Court from the west side of Campus, take the path round the right-hand side. The stone slabs are very uneven and leading up to the first entrance into Pump Court is a slight slope (Photographs 1 and 2).
    • Due to a very uneven area in front of the first archway access into Pump Court, there is a short steep slope which is around 60cm long (Photograph 3).
    • Once through the archway which is 118cm wide, there is an uneven stone slab path leading towards the signed entrance to the Old Kitchens. The path has cobblestone on either side (Photographs 4-6).
    • There is good signage for the Old Kitchens (Photograph 7).

Approach (Second Entrance into Pump Court from Cloister Court)

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is stone/concrete tiles.
    • The approach surface is uneven in places.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope on the approach.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent, has a steep gradient and has no handrails.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • The ramp/slope does not bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a/are step(s) on the approach.
    • There is/are 9 unmarked step(s){Dropdown}.
    • Handrails are not 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.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 13cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
  • Comments View
    • The second entrance is past the first archway into Pump Court. There is a long slight slope up to the steps at the corner of Cloister Court (Photographs 1 and 2).
    • There are 2 steps first of all which are slightly worn down in the middle. These have no handrail and are before an archway which is 113cm wide (Photograph 3).
    • Take the next archway on the right leading into Pump Court which is 86cm wide (Photograph 4).
    • This leads to the next 7 unmarked steps down to Pump Court and the Old Kitchens (Photographs 5-7). There are handrails on both sides. The path central to Cloister Court can be used to reach that same archway (Photographs 8-12).

Outside Access (Pump Court Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off Pump Court.
    • This entrance gives access to The Old Kitchen via a further flight of stairs and the standard toilets.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Old Kitchens'.
    • There is stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not 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) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
    • The door(s) is/are light.
    • The width of the door opening is 51cm.
    • The door is permanently held open, however, there is a key hole that is 85cm high if locked. The other door can be unlocked and held open also.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is/are 2 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 14cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • Comments View
    • The mat inside the doors is slightly sunken and could be a trip hazard.
    • The area just inside these doors has signage for the standard toilets to the right and the entrance into the Old Kitchens to the left.
    • There are 3 portable coat rails within this area.

Entrance (Via Pump Court - Stepped Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the left from the Pump Court Old Kitchens Entrance.
    • This entrance gives access to The Old Kitchens.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is stepped access 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.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 50cm.
    • If locked the doors have a key hole 90cm high. The door knob is 87cm high.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located beyond the entrance.
    • There is/are 5 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 17cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are 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.
    • The lighting levels at the step(s) are good.

Eating and Drinking (The Old Kitchens)

  • Service and Menus View
    • There is a buffet counter.
  • Service Counter(s) View
    • There is not a moveable card machine available for payment.
  • Self-Service Counter(s) View
    • The type of flooring in this area is tiles and stone.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Tables and Seating View
    • There is not ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • There are some tables which are accessible to wheelchair users.
    • The distance between the floor and the underside of the lowest dining table is 67cm.
    • The distance between the floor and the underside of the highest dining table is 73cm.
    • The surface height of the lowest table is 70cm.
    • The surface height of the highest table is 101cm.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs have armrests on both sides.
    • The type of flooring in this area is stone.
    • There is flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • The room was not set up for service at time of survey (October 2022).
    • There are 3 buffet counters on tables 76cm high with a recess of 73cm. The counters on those tables are 83cm and 90cm high (Photographs 2 and 3).
    • There is one serving unit which is different (storage underneath) which is at a height of 98cm.
    • Tables were collapsed at time of survey.
    • The Old Hall is across the cut-through on the other side which may be used for seating.

Accessible Toilet(s) (JCR Office - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located next to the President's Garden, in the JCR Office building.
    • 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 and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens outwards (automatically).
    • The door is push pad or push button activated.
    • The push pad or push button is 102cm from floor level.
    • The door is locked by a push button or pad.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 83cm.
    • 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 160cm x 260cm (5ft 3in x 8ft 6in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a waste disposal bin.
    • There is a flush 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 not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and general waste (with no 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 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The toilet roll holder is on the dropdown rail.
    • 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 72cm (2ft 4in).
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the right hand side 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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 94cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 103cm (3ft 5in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is good.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is good.
  • Comments View
    • To access the toilet cubicle, you have to first pass through the entrance into the building. as shown in the photographs.
    • This is via a push pad activated door that opens automatically away from you.
    • The width of the door opening is 89cm and the height of the push pad is 75cm.
    • A radar key is needed in order to activate this push pad.
    • The height of the exit push pad is 98cm.

Standard Toilet(s) (Pump Court Entrance to Old Kitchens)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female toilet is located just to the right from the Old Kitchens Entrance off Pump Court.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 5m from the Old Kitchens Entrance - Pump Court.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are good.
    • The female toilets have two fairly large cubicles with sinks 81 and 84cm high (Photographs 2-4).
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The male toilet is located just to the right from the Old Kitchens Entrance off Pump Court.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 5m from the Old Kitchens Entrance - Pump Court.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 81cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • Lighting levels are good.
    • There is one cubicle within the male toilets with a sink (Photographs 5 and 6).