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Hillhead Central Building

Hillhead Student Village, Don Street, Aberdeen, AB24 1WU

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include community centre, meeting rooms, gaming areas, café and bar.

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • The Hillhead Student Village on the south bank of the River Don close to Seaton Park.
      From Aberdeen centre take the A856 King Street north through Old Aberdeen.
      After the St Machar Drive/School Road junction with King Street, continue 500m north and turn left on to Don Street.
      Follow the road up the hill and after 650m turn left into the Hillhead Student Village.
    • Parking around the site is free. There are free car parks and on street parking. Blue Badge bays are available around the site.
  • By Bus View
    • The 1A, 20 and N20 all the serve the Student Village. The number 20 bus links directly from the city centre via the Old Aberdeen University Campus.
  • By Train View
    • The nearest railway station is Aberdeen.
      Either take a taxi from the taxi rank at the station or take the number 20 bus from Guild Street outside the station.
  • 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.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • The car park is located at the rear 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 available.
    • There is/are 1 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 450cm x 520cm (14ft 9in x 17ft 1in).
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
    • The nearest designated bay is 7m (7yd 1ft) from the rear entrance.
    • 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 dropped kerb between the car park and the building does have tactile paving.
    • The car park surface is block paving.
  • 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 Don Street Car Park.
    • The car park is located across the street from the rear of the building.
  • 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.

Site/Campus Car Park (Don Street Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located off Don Street.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Hillhead Central Building/Wavell House.
    • 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) markings are faded.
    • There is/are 1 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 225cm x 690cm (7ft 5in x 22ft 8in).
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by anybody.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
  • 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 Hillhead campus.
    • This car park is not clearly signposted from the Hillhead campus.

Outside Access (Rear Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • A key fob is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the card reader/lock is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • 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 push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 170cm (5ft 7in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is / are push pad activated when exiting.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 154cm (5ft 1in).
  • 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.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
    • The ramp does not have handrails.
  • Comments View
    • The original main entrance at the front of the building is now permanently closed.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the building.
    • The stairs showing in photos 1 and 2 are now closed off as there is no access to the other floors.
      There is also parts of the ground floor of this building closed off.
    • There are no 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 high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Eating and Drinking

  • The following information is for the café/bar.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is 15m (16yd 1ft) from the entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 44cm (1ft 5in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The standard height for tables is 44cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is 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.
  • The type of food served here is hot and cold snacks.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the right as you enter.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG and G.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the rear 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, opens outwards and may be difficult to open.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 100cm x 138cm (3ft 3in x 4ft 6in).
  • 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 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
    • The lift is still available but as the upper floors are out of bound this lift currently serve no purpose.

Standard Changing Room (Male)

  • There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
  • The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located to the right.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the rear main entrance.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the sports hall.
  • There is level access to the standard changing room(s).
  • Comments View
    • At the time of survey (May 2024) the showers were not in use.
    • The is also a standard female changing room at this location.

Toilet with Adaptations (Right Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 9m (9yd 2ft) from the rear main entrance.
    • The accessible toilet is located to the right as you enter.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 176cm x 230cm (5ft 9in x 7ft 7in).
    • 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 115cm (3ft 9in).
    • 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 disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 140cm from the floor.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • 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 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 not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 114cm.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a medium colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • There is a medium colour contrast between the external door and wall.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the walls and floor.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • There is a grab bar on the inside of the toilet door, which has medium contrast.

Toilet with Adaptations (Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor at the rear of the building.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 53m (57yd 2ft) from the rear main entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is medium.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is medium.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is medium.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 172cm x 235cm (5ft 8in x 7ft 9in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 112cm (3ft 8in).
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) to the left of the toilet and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) to the right of the toilet and wall is medium.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 170cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • There is not a toilet roll holder.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is medium.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 105cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The height of the hand dryer is 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is medium.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Location of Standard Toilet(s) View
    • There are male and female standard toilets facilities on the lower ground floor and the ground floor.
  • Standard Toilet Surveyed View
    • A male standard toilet was surveyed.
    • The toilet surveyed is located to the left as you enter.
    • 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 37m from the rear 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.