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New College School of Divinity

The University of Edinburgh, Central Campus, 1 Mound Place, Edinburgh, EH1 2LU

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Access Guide

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Introduction

Rooms and Spaces Links

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.
    • There is an extremely small car park to the rear of the venue. 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.
  • 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 bus stops across the city. Information panels provided next to each bus stop let you know when the next bus services will be arriving, or if there has been a delay.
  • By Train View
    • The Central Area Lauriston Campus is 0.9 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. 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 Links View

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does have its own dedicated parking.
  • Building Car Park View
    • The car park can be used by permit holders and Blue Badge holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • The car park is located off the Royal Mile.
    • 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 route from the car park to the building is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is / are slopes/ramps.
    • The car park surface is concrete.
  • On Street Parking View
    • Clearly signed and / or standard marked parking bays are available.
    • The on street standard parking bay(s) is/are located on Mound Place.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Outside Access (New College Courtyard Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off The Mound.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is / are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 143cm (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/slope gradient is easy.
    • The ramp is permanent.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off New College Courtyard.
    • There is 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 136cm.
    • A key card 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) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 83cm (2ft 9in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 83cm (2ft 9in).
  • 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 6 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 clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The handrails are on both sides.

Lift (Main Entrance Lift - Platform Lift)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left of the main entrance.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The platform lift accesses a small level change.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 500kg.
  • The lift is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 79cm (2ft 7in).
  • The lift door is manual, opens outwards and may be difficult to open.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 101cm x 146cm (3ft 4in 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 not have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The lift does not have a hearing enhancement system.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.
  • Comments View
    • There is a short steep ramp at the lower level to access the lift.

Outside Access (Accessible Car Park Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off Semples Close.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • 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) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located to the right as you face the entrance.
    • The ramp or slope does bypass the step(s).
    • The ramp/slope gradient is easy.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp.
    • The ramp does not have handrails.
    • The width of the ramp is 120cm (3ft 11in).
  • 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 1 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 medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do not have handrails.

Lift (Lift 2)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located in front of you on entrance from the car park accessible entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are -1, 1.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 320kg 4 persons.
  • The lift is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the Car Park Accessible entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 89cm x 89cm (2ft 11in x 2ft 11in).
  • 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 not have an audible announcer.
  • The lift does not have a hearing enhancement 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 good.

Reception (Main)

  • The main reception is located in front of you on entrance.
  • The desk is 6m (6yd 1ft) from the accessible entrance lift.
  • Clear signage for the reception area is not visible from the lift.
  • There is step free access to this reception area.
  • The lighting levels in the reception area are bright.
  • The reception desk/counter is high (110cm+).
  • There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • 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/are 6 unmarked step(s), with a handrail on the right going up, for access to Rainy Hall.
    • The step(s) is/are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • There is a platform lift which overcomes the steps.
    • These steps can be seen in photograph 1.
    • There is/are 5 unmarked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to Ramsey Lane Wing Stairs.
    • The step(s) is/are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • These steps can be seen in photograph 2.
    • There is/are 5 clearly marked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to Elizabeth Templeton Lecture Theatre and room 2.25.
    • The step(s) is/are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • There is a platform lift which overcomes the steps.
    • These steps can be seen in photograph 3.
    • 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 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.

Reception (School Office)

  • School Office Reception is located to the far right of the building of the building on the ground floor.
  • The desk is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the Accessible entrance lift.
  • Clear signage for the reception area is not visible from the lift.
  • There is step free access to this reception area.
  • The lighting levels in the reception area are bright.
  • The reception desk/counter is high (110cm+).
  • There is not a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Comments View
    • There is a lower section of the desk with a height of 79cm.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1-2.
    • The stairs are located next to the main reception.
    • The stairs are approximately 10m from the accessible entrance lift.
    • There are 15+ steps between 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 the left going up.
    • There is a landing.
    • There is an additional staircase to your left on exiting the main entrance lift leading to a spiral staircase to the first floor. As shown in photograph 2. There are staircases on the first floor in the Ramsey Lane Wing and the Semple's Close Wing to the second floor. There is a another set of stairs located near to Lift 1 on the first floor that lead to the second floor and a fire exit on the ground floor. This can be seen in photograph 3. There is a set of stairs that serves as a fire exit that can be used to access the second floor from Martin Hall. There is another set of stairs accessed on the second floor that provides access to the Librarians Office and the Tower Room. This can be seen in photogrpah 4.

Lift (Lift 1 - Main Lift)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located in front of you on entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • There are manual, single doors which may be difficult to open to access the lift lobby on the ground floor.
  • The lift is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the accessible entrance lift.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 135cm x 110cm (4ft 5in x 3ft 7in).
  • There are 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 not have an audible announcer.
  • The lift does not have a hearing enhancement 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 good.
  • Comments View
    • There is a permanently held open door to your left on exiting Lift 1 on the first floor with a width of 74cm.
    • It is necessary to pass through this doorway to reach the Althaus-Reid Room, Baillie Room, Blackie-Mackinnon Room, Oldham Room, Porteous Room and Rainy Hall, Ramsey Lane Wing and Semple Close Wall.

Lift (First Floor - Stairlift)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left of Lift 1 when you exit on the first floor.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The platform lift accesses a small level change.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 300kg 1 person.
  • The lift is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the Lift 1 - Main Lift.
  • Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 80cm x 125cm (2ft 7in x 4ft 1in).
  • 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 enhancement system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does not have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.

Eating and Drinking (Rainy Hall Cafeteria)

  • Location and Access View
    • The following information is for the café.
    • The café is located on the first floor towards the rear of New College.
    • There is step-free access, via lift, to the café.
    • For access there are double manual doors which are push pad activated.
  • Service and Menus View
    • Tables cannot be booked in advance.
    • There is a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
    • Staff can bring food and/or drinks to tables.
    • Menu types include; written wall menus.
    • Menus are clearly written.
    • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
    • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
    • Takeaway cups are available.
    • Adapted cups are not available.
    • Adapted cutlery is not available.
    • Drinking straws are available.
    • This area does play background music.
    • Background music is played at all times.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system .
    • Music is played at the counter only.
  • Service Counter(s) View
    • The height of the counter is 80cm.
    • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section of the counter.
    • There is not a moveable card machine available for payment.
    • The type of flooring in this area is tiles.
  • Payment Counter View
    • The height of the counter is 90cm.
    • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section of the counter.
    • There is a moveable card machine available for payment.
  • Tables and Seating View
    • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • The majority of tables are accessible to wheelchair users.
    • The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 65cm.
    • There are also long tables.
    • 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 wood.
    • There is flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • There is a raised speakers area in the hall accessed by a step with a height of 18cm or a slight ramp with a width of 120cm. The hearing loop is for usage in the hall when it is used as an event space it is not available at the counter.

Lift (Second Floor Platform Lift (6))

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located in front of you when you exit lift 1 - main lift on the second floor.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The platform lift accesses a small level change.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 225kg 2 persons.
  • The lift is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the lift 1.
  • The clear door width is 86cm (2ft 10in).
  • The lift door is manual, opens outwards and is easy to open.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 118cm x 135cm (3ft 10in x 4ft 5in).
  • 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 enhancement 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 good.
  • Comments View
    • There is no door to exit the lift on the lower level, however there is a small ramp.

Lift (Lift 4)

  • There is not a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the second floor.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 52m (56yd 2ft) from the lift 1.
  • Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 99cm x 140cm (3ft 3in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are 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 not have an audible announcer.
  • The lift does not have a hearing enhancement system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does not have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.

Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor)

  • 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 6m (6yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located to your right on exiting the lift.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 158cm x 193cm (5ft 2in x 6ft 4in).
    • There is not 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 93cm (3ft 1in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not 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 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 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 not a towel dispenser.
    • 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 placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 75cm (2ft 6in).
  • 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.

Toilet with Adaptations (Second Floor)

  • 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 22m (24yd 2in) from the lift 1.
    • This accessible toilet is located down the corridor to your left when you exit the lift on the second floor.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens inwards and outwards.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 145cm x 176cm (4ft 9in x 5ft 9in).
    • There is not 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 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • 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 an emergency pull cord alarm in the cubicle.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are not available in the cubicle.
    • 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 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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • 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 placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 75cm (2ft 6in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a low colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
    • 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 poor.
    • 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 and the second floor.
  • Standard Toilet Surveyed View
    • A male standard toilet was surveyed.
    • The toilet surveyed is located down the corridor to your left when you exit lift 1.
    • 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 17m from the lift 1.
    • 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.