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Bene't House - Senior Common Room and Meeting Room

St Edmund's College, Mount Pleasant Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB3 0BN

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Access Guide

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Getting To and Around St Edmund's College

  • Arriving By Car or Bike View
    • St Edmund's College is situated to the northeast of Cambridge city centre. The vehicle entrance to the Campus is located in Mount Pleasant. There are various Park and Ride schemes for people who would prefer to not drive into central Cambridge.
    • St Edmund's College has limited on-site car parking. The main parking area is located ahead as you enter the College from Mount Pleasant, next to Norfolk Building, where there is one Blue Badge parking bay. There is a Blue Badge car park off Mount Pleasant next to the Mount Pleasant Halls Blocks B and G, where there are four Blue Badge parking bays. There is also an overflow car park near the Richard Laws Building, where there is one Blue Badge parking bay. The overflow car park is clearly signposted from the main car park. 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 St Edmund's College there are many sheltered cycle stands available off the main car park access road, next to the overflow car park, and also in the area surrounding Mount Pleasant Halls. A sheltered cycle stand for visitors is located outside Bene't House.
    • For more information on getting to St Edmund's 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 not a bus stop within 150 metres of the campus.
    • There are bus stops in Castle Street close to the College.
      The bus services that stop in Castle Street include; 5 citi, and 6 citi.
      These bus services give direct links to; Swavesey, Oakington, Bar Hill and the city centre.
      The bus station in Castle Street is approximately 250 metres away from St Edmund's College.
    • 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 in Mount Pleasant. Access is via an ungated access point which is situated to the left of the vehicular entrance (photograph 1). There are steps at this entrance to the site. The steps are 15cm deep and are clearly marked with a handrail on the left going up (photograph 2).
    • Pedestrians can also access the site via a gated pedestrian entrance to Mount Pleasant Halls on Huntingdon Road (photograph 3). The gate opens towards from you and is unlocked by either using the intercom (height 114cm) or using the card reader (height 99cm). There is a button to unlock the gate for exit at a height of 90cm (photograph 4). There is a 3.3 degree ramp beyond the gate (photograph 5). There are steps at this entrance to the site (photograph 6). The steps are 17cm deep and are clearly marked with a handrail on the right going up. These steps can be overcome by using the lifts in Blocks D and E.
    • There is an additional pedestrian entrance on Mount Pleasant which is adjacent to the vehicular exit from the College. There is a camber to the edge of the access road of 5.0 degrees. The pedestrian walkway is clearly marked and is 64cm wide (photograph 7).
  • Getting Around the College Site View
    • If you have accessed the College site by vehicle and parked in the designated Blue Badge bay in the main area there is open step-free access to the network of paths around external areas of the St Edmund's College site. The site is mostly level or have slight slopes with wide paths (150cm+) but path surfaces do vary (photograph 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 and 13).
    • If you have accessed the College site by vehicle and parked in the designated Blue Badge car park in the Mount Pleasant Halls area there is open step-free access to the network of paths around the external areas of the Mount Pleasant Halls site. The site has stepped areas with slight ramps which overcome them. The paths are wide (150cm), and the ramps in front of Blocks C and F are 147cm wide. These ramps overcome the steps into the quad in the centre of Mount Pleasant Halls (photograph 14, 15, 16 and 17).
    • There is a clearly marked pedestrian crossing giving access between the main area of the College and Mount Pleasant Halls( photograph 18) There are steps leading between the two areas of the site. The steps can be overcome by using a long 4.0 degree ramp with handrails on both sides (photograph 19 and 20).
  • Additional College Site Information View
    • Many of the buildings at St Edmund's College have stepped access into and around them (photograph 21, 22, 23 and 24). 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 and internal lifts to access other floors. The accommodation blocks in Mount Pleasant are a new build and have internal lifts to give access to all floors. Please see our Detailed Access Guides for further information on access to buildings.
    • There is a variety of directional signage and maps around the site to help those unfamiliar with the layout (photographs 25 and 26). There is also a map available on the College website to reference. Accessible toilet facilities are located in the Norfolk Building and the Common Room in Mount Pleasant Halls Block E.

Useful Information

Site/Campus Car Park (Main Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located off Mount Pleasant.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are the Norfolk Building.
    • 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 available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked and signposted.
    • There is/are 1 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 198cm x 570cm.
    • The Blue Badge parking bays do not have a marked zone around them.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by visitors, Blue Badge holders and staff permit 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 clearly signposted from this car park.
    • There is not a campus map available within the car park.
    • The nearest designated bay is 9m (29ft) from the Norfolk Building main entrance.

Getting To (Bene't House)

  • Location View
    • Bene't House is located on the South East of Campus, near the vehicular entrance for the main car park.
    • Bene't House can either be accessed via a set of 5 steps from the main campus car park (by reception/ Norfolk Building) or via a gravel access track which leads to the front of Bene't House.
    • There is not wayfinding signage along the route to Bene't House.
    • Other services / Facilities within the building include; staff offices and a kitchen.
    • St Edmund's College link (new tab) - click here.
  • Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities View
    • Shared standard toilet facilities are located between the two entrance doors at the main entrance to Bene't House.

Building Parking

  • The building does have its own dedicated parking.
  • Building Car Park View
    • The car park can be used by staff.
    • The car park is located in front of the building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are not available.
    • The car park surface is loose chippings.
  • Site/Campus Car Parks View
    • There is a site/campus car park for staff, students and visitors within approximately 200m.
    • The name of the car park is Main Campus Car Park.
    • The car park is located 20m to the right of the building as you face it.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
  • On Street Parking View
    • Clearly signed and/or standard marked parking bays are not available.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
    • There is space for approximately 2 cars. Parking bays are not marked.
      This parking is for authorised staff only.

Approach (Vehicular Access Track - Left before Entrance to Main Car Park)

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is loose chippings.
    • 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
    • This approach leads off the asphalt road leading into the car park. There is a steep slope from the Blue Badge Bay in the main car park towards the car park entrance and access track.
    • The track has a continuous slight slope down towards the building from the asphalt road.
    • The surface is very uneven in places due to the surface type. The change from asphalt to loose chippings creates a very slight level change.
    • There is signage towards the building.

Approach (Stepped Approach from Main Campus Car Park)

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is tarmac and block paving.
    • 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 not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • 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 a handrail on the right going up.
    • 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 second lower handrail.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 23cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
  • Comments View
    • From the car park there is either a steep sloped access towards the slope and steps or a narrow 54cm path across the central vegetation which is up a kerb that is 11cm high.
    • The kerb before the slight slope is 10cm high. The slope is 3m long and ends just before the 5 steps. There is a 40cm wide steep slope to the bottom step from the loose chippings consisting of a concrete surface.

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 ground floor of Bene't House.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Benet 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 a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 123cm (4ft).
    • There is not an intercom.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key card reader is 135cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The exit push pad or push button is 119cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 95cm.
    • 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 single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 90cm.
  • 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 between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 15cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

Outside Access (Rear Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the rear of the building.
    • This entrance gives access to the ground floor of Bene't House.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is stepped 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 a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 142cm (4ft 8in).
    • There is not an intercom.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key card reader is 1030cm.
    • The main 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 80cm.
  • 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 between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 15cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the building .
    • There is stepped access to the first and second floor accommodation.
  • Circulation View
    • There are 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 and tiles.
    • There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in corridors/walkways.
    • There is high visual contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • There are sofas at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
    • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • 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 not a hearing assistance system in the communal areas of the building.
  • Comments View
    • Signage is limited. There is some indicating the direction of rooms.
    • Once inside the building, the ground floor is step-free.
    • There is a small lip near the side entrance where the tiles change to carpet.

Breakout Space(s) (Room with Garden Access)

  • 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 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 60cm and 72cm.
  • 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 ground floor near the main entrance.
    There is a rug and a fireplace which may serve as a trip hazard.
    The single, manual, heavy door opens away from you (push) to a width of 80cm.
    The key card reader on the door is 80cm high.
    There are 2 unmarked steps that are 11cm and 16cm high outside the door.
    The door opens away from you (push), is single, manual, light and has a width of 81cm). The doorstep means that there are a further 2 small steps that are 5cm and 7cm high.
    The door has a key card reader on the outside which is 79cm high. The door contrasts with its immediate surroundings on both sides.
    The is seating to the rear of the building just outside the door.
    .

Meeting Room(s) (Connecting Room)

  • 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 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) is 68cm.
  • 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 fireplace may serve as a trip hazard.
    There are different entrances into the room from near the main entrance and the stepped rear entrances to the building.
    The room is often used a circulation route between differing parts of Bene't House.

Meeting Room(s) (Bene't House Meeting Room)

  • 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 66cm and 70cm.
  • 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 not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • Furniture can be moved to allow a turning space for wheelchair users.
  • Floor coverings in the room(s) are not even.
  • This meeting room is on the ground floor, near the stepped entrance to the rear of the building.
    The key card reader on the door handle is 88cm high. The door is heavy, single, manual and opens away from you (push) to a width of 81cm.
    There is a fireplace plinth to the side of the room which could be a trip hazard, as could a loose wire.

Toilet with Adaptations

  • There is not an/are not accessible toilet(s) available.
  • The nearest accessible toilet(s) is/are located in the Norfolk Building.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located between the two main entrance doors, on the right-hand side.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 2m from the main entrance.
    • The visual contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is low.
    • 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 82cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are good.