Skip to main content

Gym

Sidney Sussex College, Sidney Street, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 3HU

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Getting To and Around Sidney Sussex College

  • Arriving By Car or Bike View
    • Sidney Sussex College is situated on the north eastern edge of Cambridge city centre. The vehicle entrance to the site is located in King Street. There are various Park and Ride schemes for people who would prefer to not drive into central Cambridge.
    • Sidney Sussex College has limited on-site car parking, and so is only available to staff and visitors if requested in advance. The only parking area is located off King Street, to the side of Blundell 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. At Sidney Sussex College the main sheltered cycle park is located off Hall Court. There are other bike stands available throughout the College site.
    • For more information on getting to Sidney Sussex College 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
    • There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the campus.
    • The nearest bus stop to the College is on Jesus Lane, on the north west edge of the College site, close to the junction with Sidney Street. This is served by the A busway service towards St Ives. There are also bus stops further up Bridge Street, just over 150 metres from the main entrance to the College. The buses to and from the Madingley Road Park and Ride stop here, along with the 5 citi and 6 citi services to the bus station. There is another bus stop a similar distance from the College but in the opposite direction, on Hobson Street outside Christ’s College. The bus services that stop here include 1 citi, 2 citi, 3 citi, 5 citi, 6 citi, 8 citi and 8H Histon Road Shuttle. These services give direct links to Arbury, Chesterton, the bus station, Fen Ditton, Bar Hill, Swavesey, Cotterham and Orchard Park. The bus station in Drummer Street is approximately 500 metres away from Sidney Sussex College.
    • Cambridge City Centre Bus Station AccessAble Access Guide (new tab) - click here.
    • For more information on planning a bus journey in Cambridge please click here (opens new tab).
  • By Train View
  • Accessing the College Site View
    • The main pedestrian entrance to the College site is located on Sidney Street. Access is via 2 unmarked steps, 15 and 12cm high with no handrails and a single gate 57cm wide (Photographs 1 and 2). The gate opens away from you (push) and may be difficult for some to open. This entrance can be made wider if required by opening one or both main gates (Photograph 3). This entrance leads to the Porter’s' Lodge, Hall Court and Chapel Court.
    • Pedestrians can also access the site via the main delivery gates, further along Sidney Street to the right as you face the main pedestrian entrance (Photograph 4). The main gates are open in the morning until 10am only. After that, those with keys can access through the small gate within the main gates, 52cm wide with a 30cm high threshold and opening away from you (push). This gate may be difficult for some to open (Photograph 5). Beyond this is a long slight slope leading up to Staff Court (Photograph 6).
    • Key card holders can also access the site via a pedestrian gate within the main gate at the vehicle entrance on King Street (Photograph 7). The gate is single, opens away from you (push) and may be difficult for some to open. The height of the card reader is 108cm, the opening width of the gateway is 80cm with an 8cm threshold. The whole gate slides open to allow vehicle access, and this can also be used to access without the threshold.
  • Getting Around the College Site View
    • If you have accessed the College site by vehicle or via King Street there is step-free access to the network of external paths around the courts and main parts of the site. At the end of the path leading from the car park there are bollards, leaving gaps between 85 – 120cm wide (Photograph 8). There is then a steep slope leading up between the Mong Building and the Garden Court Building (Photograph 9). From here, there is a cut through between the Mong Building and Master’s Lodge to Chapel Court (Photograph 10). There are cut throughs from here to Staff Court on one side (Photographs 11 and 12) and the Porters' Lodge and Hall Court on the other (Photographs 13 and 14), continuing to Cloister Court after that (Photograph 15). The site is mostly level with paths with paving slab and concrete tile surfaces, so can be uneven in places. The paths also have slight gradients in places, particularly around the cut throughs between courts (Photograph 16). The paths around Hall and Chapel Courts have cobbles on either side (Photographs 17 and 18). At the end of the Cloister Court path, next to the entrance to the Fellows’ Garden, there is an unmarked step, 11cm high, with no handrails (Photograph 19). This can be overcome using the path that runs straight ahead from the cut through from Hall Court to the Fellows’ Garden. This path is 90cm wide and has a slight slope just beyond the cut through but then levels out (Photographs 20 and 21).
    • There is stepped access to the Covered Walkway (Photograph 22), which runs to the left past the Garden Court Building past the steep slope. The 13 unmarked steps have a handrail on the left hand side going down covering the bottom 5 steps only (Photograph 23). At the far end of the walkway there are 3 steps with handrails both sides leading up to the Sidney Bar (Photograph 24). There are also 15+ steps with no handrails leading up to Blundell Court (Photograph 25).
    • There are 15+ steps with handrails leading up from Staff Court and the area to the rear of the Garden Court Building and the Mong Building (Photograph 26) which lead up to South Court. From there Hobson Court, Montagu House and 26 Sussex Street can be accessed. There is also a bridge leading to Sussex House. Sussex has its own entrance off Hobson Street.
  • Additional College Site Information View
    • Many of the buildings at Sidney Sussex College have step-free access into them. However, most have internal steps that cannot be overcome step-free. Lifts are available in the Garden Court Building, Blundell Court and Sussex House.
    • There is clear directional signage around the site (Photographs 27 and 28) which means those unfamiliar with the layout will still be able to find their way to most of the key College areas and buildings. Site maps are also available from the Porters' Lodge. Accessible toilet facilities are located just inside the Mong Building, by the Dining Hall, and off Staff Court.

Useful Information

Site/Campus Car Park (King Street Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located off King Street.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Blundell Court, Sidney Bar, Garden Court.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are not available.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by staff and visitors.
  • 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.
    • Visitor parking is only available here if requested in advance. At the time of the survey many of the parking bays were not in use due to building work. Photograph 4 shows the vehicle entrance into the car park from King Street.

Getting To (The Gym - Sussex House)

  • Location View
    • The Gym is on the first floor of Sussex House and reached by the staircase or lift as you enter from Hobson Street.
      On exiting the lift or staircase turn right towards the Gym.
    • There is access via the Campus from South Court into Sussex House and across the bridge, however, this involves various flights of stairs.
      The more accessible entrance is located on Hobson Street which can be reached from the Porters' Lodge entrance via Sidney Street and Sussex Street onto Hobson Street or from the vehicular entrance onto Hobson Street.
    • There is not wayfinding signage along the route to the Gym.
    • Other services / Facilities within the building include; accommodation and teaching rooms.
    • Sidney Sussex College link (new tab) - click here.
  • Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities View
    • Shared standard toilet facilities are located to the right immediately after the Gym entrance.

Outside Access (Hobson Street Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on Hobson Street, just off the main campus area.
    • This entrance gives access to Sussex House.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Sussex House'.
    • There is stepped 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) away from you (push).
    • 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 80cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 160cm.
    • The entrance doors require a key for access, which residents have or can be acquired from the Porters' Lodge.
      The key lock height is 131cm.
      The front entrance doors have horizontal rails to help push open the doors at a height of 116cm.
      There is uneven block paving in front of the entrance.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is/are 1 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 5cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located ahead after you enter.
    • The stairs are approximately 2m from the Hobson Street entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by 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 height of the step(s) is/are 17cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail on the right going up.
    • 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.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are good.
  • Other Information View
    • The stairs also have a handrail on the left going up until the landing between the ground and first floor. Then the handrail continues solely on the right.
  • Comments View
    • Signage by the stairwell on the first floor says simply '1st floor' however, the second, third and fourth floors signage indicates what rooms are on those floors.

Lift

  • The lift is located ahead after you enter, to the left of the stairs.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the Hobson Street entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2, 3 and 4.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 200 lbs.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is not a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do not contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is good.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
  • The clear door width is 76cm (2ft 6in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 115cm x 135cm (3ft 9in x 4ft 5in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • Controls are in the range of 123cms to 138cms.
  • There is not a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does not have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are good.
  • There is a door to enter the lift that is heavy, opens towards you (pull) and is 85cm wide. The handle to open the door is 135cm high.
    There is an inner gate that slides open/closed that narrows the entrance to the lift to 76cm when open.
    The lift is an old lift and on the ground floor the lift isn't level with the ground. The lift is approximately 7cm higher than the ground meaning there is a small step into the lift, as shown in the photographs.
    There is a gap of approximately 3cm between the lift and floors on most other levels.
    The lift is carpeted.

Gym

  • There are manual, heavy, single doors to access the gym.
  • The door(s) open(s) towards you.
  • The width of the door opening is 75cm.
  • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
  • The door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • Due to the uneven nature of the old lift, it does not provide access which is completely level.
    A key is needed to access the Gym. The lock is at a height of 86cm.
    The handle to the door is 110cm high.
    The key for the Gym is given to students or can be picked up from the Porters' Lodge.
    There is a small lip at the entrance to the Gym as shown in the photographs.
  • The gym is not staffed.
  • There is not an emergency alarm in the gym.
  • There is 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 vinyl.
  • 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 good.
  • The Gym has a variety of machines in two separate rooms.
    The rooms both have single, manual, heavy doors that open away from you (push). They are 75cm wide and have a small lip at the base.
    The Gym has paper towel holders at 142cm high, large mirrors, upper/lower body machines, and free weights and a tv in one room.
    The Gym has open storage lockers in the corridor outside the Gym rooms and by the shower/changing rooms.

Accessible Toilet(s)

  • There is not an/are not accessible toilet(s) available.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located on the first floor, immediately to the right of the entrance to the Gym.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 1m from the Gym entrance.
    • 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 85cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Standard Changing Room (Out of Action)

  • Location and Access View
    • The standard changing room was out of use at the time of the survey.
    • This standard changing room is located on the first floor, directly ahead and on the right side of the corridor from the Gym entrance.
    • This standard changing room is approximately 4m from the Gym entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the standard changing room.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the standard changing room door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens inwards.
  • Comments View
    • There are two changing/shower rooms available that were out of action at the time of survey.
    • They are both locked and have no visible key card reader / key lock / key code as way of entry (Photograph 3).
    • The surveyor and contact had no way of accessing them at time of survey (November 2023).