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Holyrood North Residences - Main Hall

The University of Edinburgh, Holyrood North, 9 Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, EH8 8AE

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Access Guide

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Introduction

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • The Central Area is located on the south side in the city centre. Traffic congestion can be a problem and parking is strictly controlled.
    • A number of university car parks are located in the near the Halls of Residences. The Transport and Parking Office of the University of Edinburgh manages parking at the University. University car parks are for the use of permit holders only and are subject to the university’s parking regulations. Permits are available for visitors to the university. There is also the St John's Hill pay and display public car park located along Viewcraig Gardens.
  • By Bus View
    • There are bus stops around the area of the Halls. The nearest bus stops are located along Holyrood Road and serve route number six.
  • By Train View
    • The Halls are located is 0.4 miles from Edinburgh Waverley Station. It should be noted that some of the walking routes may feature paths with steep gradients or steps given the landscape. A taxi can be taken to this site. Edinburgh has rail links throughout the UK. The East Coast mainline, which links Edinburgh and London King’s Cross, is the UK's fastest intercity railway: you can travel between the cities in around 4 hours. Or, if you prefer to travel overnight, a sleeper service runs between London Euston and Edinburgh Waverley 6 nights a week. There are great links to other cities too. The journey to Glasgow only takes 45 minutes, while York, Newcastle, Inverness or Aberdeen can be reached in about 2 hours. All trains arrive at Waverley Station in the centre of the city, although some trains also stop at Haymarket, which is a smaller station in the West End.

Useful Information

Site/Campus Car Park

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located off St John Street.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Charteris Land.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is block paving.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are not available.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by permit holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • Signs are provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
    • Signs are clearly presented.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is sloped access to the car park from the Holyrood North Residences.
    • This car park is not clearly signposted from the Holyrood North Residences.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off the lower area of the residences courtyard.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • A key fob is required for access at this entrance.
    • The card reader/lock is not in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 101cm (3ft 4in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is easy.
    • The ramp is permanent.
  • Comments View
    • There is an alternative rotating door to the right of this entrance.

Outside Access (Rear Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located opposite Tweed Hall.
    • There is ramped/sloped and stepped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 142cm (4ft 8in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp or slope does not bypass the step(s).
    • The ramp/slope gradient is easy.
    • The ramp is permanent.
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located immediately beyond the entrance.
    • There is / are 10 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are not clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The handrails are on both sides.
  • Lift View
    • There is a lift to access this entrance.
    • The lift does bypass the step(s).
    • The lift does not bypass the ramp.

Lift (Rear Entrance)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located immediately beyond the entrance.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The platform lift accesses a small level change.
  • The lift is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the rear entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The lift door is manual, heavy and opens outwards.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 93cm x 146cm (3ft 1in x 4ft 9in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is bright.

Reception

  • The Holyrood Residences Reception is located to your right on entrance.
  • The desk is 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • The reception area is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to this reception area.
  • The lighting levels in the reception area are bright.
  • The reception desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • There is a clear knee recess beneath the low counter.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the building via lift(s).
    • There is an easy ramp, with no handrails, for access to the lifts on the basement floor.
    • The ramp can be seen in photograph 1.
    • There is/are 3 unmarked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to the basement common room.
    • The step(s) is/are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • There is an easy ramp, with handrails on both sides, for access to the basement common room.
    • The width of the ramp is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • The ramp or slope does bypass the step(s).
    • The steps and ramp can be seen in photographs 2 & 3.
    • There is an easy ramp, with handrails on both sides, for access to the kitchen and dining area from the ground floor common room meeting rooms.
    • The width of the ramp is 125cm (4ft 1in).
    • This can be seen in photograph 4.
    • There are doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
  • Getting Around View
    • There is clear signage for building facilities/areas in the foyer/reception area.
    • There is clearly written directional signage at key points of circulation routes.
    • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is some flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • This building does not play background music.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Kitchen and Dining Area

  • A keyfob is needed to access the area.
  • The entrance to the area is through heavy double doors that open towards you with a width of 156cm.
  • The kitchen and dining area provides catering facilities for students.
  • The height of most kitchen counters is 86cm. Though lower areas with a height of 74cm are available.
  • There are fixed and unfixed tables with heights ranging from 72cm to 105cm.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are B-0-1-2-3-4-5.
    • The stairs are located in the East Block.
    • The stairs are approximately 30m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • There are manual, heavy, single doors to access the stairwell on all floors.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • There is a similar set of stairs within the West Block. There is a set of medium stairs that are not clearly marked from floors 0 -1 in the common rooms on these floors in the East Block. There are similar sets of stairs between the common rooms on floors 2-3 and 4-5 as well as on the corresponding floors in West Block.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located in East Block.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are B-0-1-2-3-4-5.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • There are manual, heavy, single doors to access the lift lobby on all floors.
  • The lift is approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 93cm x 138cm (3ft 1in x 4ft 6in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The lift does not have a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is bright.

Accommodation

  • Location of Accessible Accommodation View
    • The establishment provides 30 accessible accommodation facilities with an ensuite and/or separate accessible bathroom.
    • This information refers to 016.
    • The accessible facilities are located on all floors.
    • There is level access from an accessible entrance.
    • This is by lift.
    • The room number viewed was 016.
    • The width of the door to the room is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the clear floor space are 156cm x 500cm (5ft 1in x 16ft 5in).
    • The bed is 35cm high.
    • The measurement between the bed base and floor is 58cm (1ft 11in).
    • Light switches are within 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
    • There is not a functional emergency alarm in the room.
    • Assistance dogs are welcome to stay with residents in accessible accommodation.
  • Accessible Bathroom View
    • The information relates to the ensuite.
    • The dimensions of the bathroom are 180cm x 265cm (5ft 11in x 8ft 8in).
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The width of the door to the bathroom is 86cm.
    • The door weight is heavy.
    • There is not a functional emergency alarm in the bathroom.
    • No emergency alarm is fitted in the bathroom.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • 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 in height.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin is 72cm (2ft 4in).
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • The measurement of lateral transfer space is 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet pan the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There are mirrors.
    • The mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
  • Bath and Shower View
    • There is not a bath.
  • Wheel In Shower View
    • There is a wheel in shower.
    • The shower head height is adjustable.
    • The type of shower controls used are twist/turn.
    • There is a shower chair.
    • The shower seat height is 35cm (1ft 2in).
    • There are handrails available for the shower.
  • Colour contrast and lighting in accessible rooms View
    • The colour contrast between the external room door and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • The colour contrast between the internal room door and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between external ensuite / bathroom door and wall is high.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Colour contrast and lighting in accessible bathroom View
    • The colour contrast between the internal bathroom door and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor in the bathroom is high.
    • The colour contrast between the dropdown rails and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between the grab rails and wall is high.
    • Lighting levels are bright.
  • Auxiliary Aids - General View
    • None of the rooms have auxiliary aids for people with sensory impairments.
    • The accommodation does not provide other auxiliary aids for people with mobility impairments.
    • Assistance dogs are welcome to stay with residents in standard rooms.
  • Ground Floor Rooms View
    • Ground floor rooms do have level access.
    • Adjoining rooms are not available.
  • Standard Rooms on Other Floors View
    • There are standard rooms on other floors.
    • The other floors can be accessed by lift.
    • Adjoining rooms are not available.

Toilet with Adaptations

  • There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located to your right on entrance.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 167cm x 232cm (5ft 6in x 7ft 7in).
    • There is a clear 150cm x 150cm manoeuvring space in the accessible toilet.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is not an emergency pull cord alarm in the cubicle.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are general domestic waste disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • 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).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are bright.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Location of Standard Toilet(s) View
    • There are male and female standard toilets facilities on the ground floor.
  • Standard Toilet Surveyed View
    • A male standard toilet was surveyed.
    • The toilet surveyed is located to your right on entrance to the building.
    • There is a female standard toilet in the same location.
    • There is step free access to the standard toilet(s) surveyed from the entrance.
    • The standard toilet surveyed is approximately 8m from the main entrance.
    • There is not a/are not cubicle(s) suitable for ambulant disabled people in the standard toilet(s) surveyed.
    • Lighting levels in the standard toilet surveyed are good.

Outside Access (Laundry)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the left of the entrance to Forth Hall.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • A key fob is required for access at this entrance.
    • The card reader/lock is in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 144cm (4ft 9in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is easy.
    • The ramp is permanent.