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Potterrow

The University of Edinburgh, Central Campus, 1 Bristo Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9AL

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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 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

Outside Access (Automatic)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off Bristo Square.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 147cm (4ft 10in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located at the end of the steps outside the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • 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 2 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 shallow (2cm - 10cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The handrails are in the centre of the step(s).
  • Comments View
    • There is a marked route from this entrance to the Richard Verney Health Centre on the first floor as shown in photographs 4, 5 and 6.

Outside Access (Manual)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off Bristo Square.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) both ways.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 166cm (5ft 5in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) both ways.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 166cm (5ft 5in).
  • 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 slight.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • The ramp does not have handrails.

Outside Access (Baristo)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the right of the automatic entrance.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 140cm (4ft 7in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located to the left as you face the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp.
  • 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 2 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 shallow (2cm - 10cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The handrails are in the centre.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the majority of the building, via lift.
    • There is/are 7 clearly marked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to the advice centre.
    • The step(s) is/are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • There is an enclosed platform lift which overcomes the steps.
    • The steps can be seen in photograph 1.
    • There is/are 7 clearly marked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to Vitality Dental, The Dome Cafe/Bar and EUSA Activities .
    • The step(s) is/are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • There is a steep ramp, with handrails on both sides, for access to Vitality Dental, The Dome Cafe/Bar and EUSA Activities.
    • The ramp or slope does bypass the step(s).
    • The steps can be seen in photograph 2. The ramp 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 and pictorial directional signage at key points of circulation routes.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • This building does play background music.
    • Music is played cafe areas.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Eating and Drinking (Baristo)

  • The following information is for the cafe.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is 1m (3ft 3in) from the Baristo Entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 50cm (1ft 8in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The standard height for tables is 73cm.
  • There is not ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are not available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is not available.
  • Drinking straws are not available.
  • Menus are wall only.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are not available in large print.
  • Picture menus are not available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is cakes and snacks.

Lift (Advice Centre)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located inside the automatic entrance.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The lift is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the automatic 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 94cm x 150cm (3ft 1in x 4ft 11in).
  • 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 a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not 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.

Reception (The Advice Centre)

  • The Advice Centre is located in front of you when you exit the Advice Centre lift.
  • The desk is 8m (8yd 2ft) from the Advice Centre Lift.
  • The reception area is clearly visible from the lift.
  • There is step free access to this reception area, via lift.
  • 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 a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is signed.

Reception (Potterow Reception)

  • The Potterow Reception is located to the rear of the Dome Bar area.
  • The desk is 34m (37yd 7in) from the automatic entrance.
  • Clear signage for the reception area is 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 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 push pad automatic door with a width of 94cm to access the advice centre.

Eating and Drinking (Dome Cafe/Dome Bar)

  • The following information is for the bar.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks cannot be brought to the table.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is 10m (10yd 2ft) from the manual entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 45cm (1ft 6in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 85cm (2ft 9in).
  • The standard height for tables is 81cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Drinking straws are not available.
  • Menus are wall only.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are not available in large print.
  • Picture menus are not available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is hot food and snacks.

Reception (Vitality Dental)

  • Vitality Dental Reception is located to your left at the top of the ramp.
  • The desk is 44m (48yd 4in) from the automatic 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 a clear knee recess beneath the low counter.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Reception (EUSA Activities)

  • EUSA Activities is located next to the Dome Cafe/Bar.
  • The desk is 60m (65yd 1ft) from the automatic entrance.
  • Clear signage for the reception area is 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.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are B-G-first floor.
    • The stairs are located to your right past the advice centre.
    • The stairs are approximately 15m from the automatic entrance.
    • 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 right going up.
    • There is a landing.
    • There is a metal staircase with handrails on both sides and deep steps to access the Royal Medical Society on the first floor.

Lift (Main)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the rear of the Dome Cafe/Bar.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • There are manual, heavy, double doors to access the lift lobby on all floors.
  • The lift is approximately 68m (74yd 1ft) from the automatic entrance.
  • Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 140cm (4ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 165cm x 225cm (5ft 5in x 7ft 5in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not 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 loop 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 bright.

Eating and Drinking (Venue)

  • The following information is for the bar.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
  • The nearest table is 12m (13yd 4in) from the venue entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 73cm (2ft 5in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • The standard height for tables is 110cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Menus are wall only.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are not available in large print.
  • Picture menus are not available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • Comments View
    • There is a stage in the venue which is accessed by four medium steps and two handrails on each side.

Accessible Toilet

  • 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 75m (82yd 1in) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the rear of the Dome Cafe/Bar next to the Venue lift.
    • 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 120cm x 210cm (3ft 11in x 6ft 11in).
    • 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 70cm (2ft 4in).
    • 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 available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are female sanitary, non-infectious waste and 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 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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 117cm (3ft 10in).
    • 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 poor.
    • There is a poor 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.
  • Comments View
    • There is a baby change in the cubicle at a height of 101cm.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Location of Standard Toilet(s) View
    • There are male and female standard toilets facilities on the basement floor.
  • Standard Toilet Surveyed View
    • A male standard toilet was surveyed.
    • The toilet surveyed is located on the basement floor.
    • There is a female standard toilet in the same location.
    • The standard toilet surveyed is approximately 7m from the stairs on the basement 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.