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George Square, 29

The University of Edinburgh, Central Campus, 29 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9LD

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Basement - Store Room
    Ground Floor - Archives Room
    First Floor - Scottish Studies Library
    Second Floor - Collections Room
    Third Floor - Offices.

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • The Central Area is located on the south side of the city centre. Traffic congestion can be a problem, and parking is strictly controlled. Options to driving into the city centre include Park & Ride tram and bus car parks at the edges of the city.
    • A number of University car parks are located in the Central Area. 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.
  • By Bus View
    • Buses from all over the city travel to the Central Area of the university. The University also provides a shuttle bus for staff and students between the Central Area and the King's Buildings. The majority of buses are operated by Lothian Buses. Up to the minute "real time" bus timetable information is now available at the majority of bus stops across the city. Information panels provided next to the majority of bus stops let you know when the next bus services will be arriving, or if there has been a delay.
  • By Train View
    • The Central Area of the university is 0.7 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. 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. A sleeper service runs between London Euston and Edinburgh Waverley 6 nights a week. There are intercity links to other cities including Glasgow (45 minutes), and York, Newcastle or Aberdeen (all 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.
  • By Tram View
    • The Edinburgh tram service runs from Edinburgh Airport in the west, to York Place in the east end of the city centre, presently being extended to Leith north east of the city centre. The nearest stop to the Central Campus Area is Princes Street. The nearest stop to the Lauriston Campus and the ECA buildings, or to the Western General site, is West End.
  • Useful Links View

Useful Information

Site/Campus Car Park (Appleton Tower)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located to the left of Appleton Tower, accessed off Chapel Street.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Appleton Tower, 50 George Square.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is tarmac and block paving.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is/are 5 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 240cm x 480cm (7ft 10in x 15ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do vary in size.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by Blue Badge holders and 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 Chapel Street.
    • This car park is not clearly signposted from the Appleton Tower Building.
    • The nearest designated bay is 8m (8yd 2ft) from the Appleton Tower Building.
  • Comments View
    • Permits are not free and will need to be purchased from the University.
    • There are 2 Blue Badge parking bays adjacent Appleton Tower and a further 3 Blue Badge parking bays in the car park between Appleton Tower and 50 George Square.
    • The Blue Badge parking bays are over 50m from the Bayes Centre.

Building Parking

  • The building does not have its own dedicated parking.
  • On Street Parking View
    • Clearly signed and/or marked on street Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • The dimensions of the marked Blue Badge bays are 200cm x 600cm (6ft 7in x 19ft 8in).
    • The on street Blue Badge parking bay(s) is/are located on George Square.
    • Clearly signed and/or standard marked parking bays are available.
    • The dimensions of the standard marked parking bays are 200cm x 600cm (6ft 7in x 19ft 8in).
    • The on street standard parking bay(s) is/are located on George Square.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off George Square.
    • There is ramped/sloped and stepped access at this entrance.
    • The intercom is not in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
    • The intercom is at a height of 122cm.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The card reader/lock is not in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 117cm (3ft 10in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • There are no doors at this entrance.
    • The width of the door opening is 97cm (3ft 2in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located to your right on exiting the entrance lift.
    • 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 in front of the entrance.
    • There is / are 5 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the step(s).
    • The step(s) is / are not clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are deep (18cm+).
    • 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.
  • Comments View
    • The door opens automatically when a keycard is used.

Lift (Main Entrance)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the right of the entrance.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The platform lift accesses a small level change.
  • The lift is approximately 1m (3ft 3in) 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 lift door is manual, heavy and opens outwards.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 260cm x 130cm (8ft 6in x 4ft 3in).
  • 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 not have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The lift does not have a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does not 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.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the ground floor.
    • There is an easy ramp, with no handrails, for access to the Archives.
    • The width of the ramp is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The ramp is not clearly marked. It can be seen in photograph 1.
    • There are not 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 good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Reception (Research Room Reception)

  • The Research Room Reception is located within the Research Room on the ground floor.
  • The desk is 12m (13yd 4in) from the main entrance.
  • Clear signage for the reception area is not visible from the entrance.
  • There is ramped 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 not a clear knee recess beneath the low counter.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Library (Research Room)

  • This library does not have a regular supply of books in Braille.
  • This library does not have a regular supply of books in large print.
  • This library does not have a regular supply of books in audio format.
  • There is not an ordering service.
  • The library does have computers with accessible software.
  • Auxiliary aids are not available for computer users.

Library (Scottish Studies Library)

  • This library does not have a regular supply of books in Braille.
  • This library does not have a regular supply of books in large print.
  • This library does not have a regular supply of books in audio format.
  • There is not an ordering service.
  • The library does not have computers with accessible software.
  • Auxiliary aids are available for computer users.
  • A height adjustable chair is / are available.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are B-G-1-2-3.
    • The stairs are located in front of you on entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 8m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on the right going up.
    • There is a landing.
  • Other View
    • The area(s)/service(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are Scottish Studies Library, Collections Room and offices.
  • Comments View
    • The steps from the first and second floor have the handrail on the left. This can be seen in photograph 2.

Accessible Toilet

  • There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the left of the stairs.
    • 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 230cm x 225cm (7ft 7in x 7ft 5in).
    • 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 115cm (3ft 9in).
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm in the cubicle.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are female sanitary disposal units.
    • There is a/are 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 not 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 a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can 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 cannot 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 poor.
    • 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 shared standard toilets facilities on the second floor.
  • Standard Toilet Surveyed View
    • A shared standard toilet was surveyed.
    • The toilet surveyed is located to your right at the top of the stairs on the second floor.
    • The standard toilet surveyed is approximately 3m from the top of the stairs on the second floor.
    • 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.