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UK Rail Research And Innovation Network

University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT

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Access Guide

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Introduction

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • Approaching from the northwest or southeast along the M6: Leave at Junction 6 (signposted Birmingham Central) to join the A38(M) At the end of the motorway, keep to the right, go over a flyover, then through some underpasses to join the A38 Bristol Road. The university is on your right, two and a half miles from the city centre. Approaching from the M42 north: Leave at Junction 8 to join the M6 northbound and follow the instructions above. Approaching from the southwest: Leave the M5 at Junction 4 signposted Birmingham SW) to join the A38. The university is approximately eight miles from the motorway. Approaching from the M40: It is easier to turn south on the M42 and leave at Junction 1, heading north on the A38 Bristol Road. The university is approximately eight miles from the motorway.
    • There are various staff car parks located throughout the campus; all require a staff permit.
      All Blue Badge holders can park on Campus (without a permit) and must use the intercom to Security to pass through the security barriers at each entrance.
      The nearest visitor parking is located at the North East Car Park off Pritchatts Road at B15 2SA which is 1 mile and a 20 minute walk from the building, through the Green Heart of Campus (with extended sections at a gradient).
  • By Bus View
    • Nxbus numbers 48 and X20 Platinum, X21 Platinum and X22 Platinum run from the city centre and stop near to the University Railway Station on Vincent Drive for the University and QE hospital, bus stop ID: nwmapjgj. This is 0.2 miles, a walk of around 5 minutes across campus (with sections at a gradient).
  • By Train View
    • From Birmingham New Street Station around six trains an hour call at University Station and take 8 - 10 minutes. The final destinations for trains are Bromsgrove, Redditch, Hereford and Cardiff Central. The building is a 4 minute walk from the University Station across Campus (with sections at a gradient).
  • Useful Links View

Useful Information

Building Parking (Blue Badge Bays)

  • The building does have its own dedicated parking.
  • Building Car Park View
    • The car park can be used by Blue Badge holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • The car park is located to the left of the building as you face the entrance.
    • 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 6 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 490cm x 600cm (16ft 1in x 19ft 8in).
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
    • The nearest designated bay is 24m (26yd 9in) from the UKIRRN 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 tarmac.
  • Site/Campus Car Parks View
    • There is a site/campus car park for staff and visitors within approximately 200m.
    • There is not a/are not Blue Badge parking bay(s) available within the car park.
    • The name of the car park is Public Health Building Car Park.
    • The car park is located to the rear of the Public Health Building.

Site/Campus Car Park

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located to the rear of the Public Health Building.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Public Health Building, UKIRRN, School of Engineering.
    • 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 not available.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by staff 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.
    • There is not a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
  • 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 service road.
    • This car park is not clearly signposted from the Public Health Building.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the card reader/lock is 103cm (3ft 5in).
    • There is not 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 width of the door opening is 102cm (3ft 4in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of less than 2cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
    • The ramp does not have handrails.
  • Comments View
    • There are 11 unmarked steps with hand rails both sides leading up from the service road to the side of the building (photograph 4 and 5)
    • There are revolving doors at the entrance which have been temporarily closed.

Reception (Main Reception)

  • The UKRRIN reception is located ahead of you as you enter via the main entrance.
  • The desk is 5m (5yd 1ft) from the building 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 good.
  • The reception desk/counter is high (110cm+).
  • There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • There is a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered counter.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is signed.
  • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested on 02/06/2021.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the building.
    • 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 and tactile 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 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 a hearing assistance system.
    • The system is infrared.
    • A loop is located in the seminar room just off the reception area.
    • Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested on 02/06/2021.

Other Floors (Core 2)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are B, LG and G.
    • The stairs are located In the Core 2 lobby just off the UKIRRN Collaborative area.
    • The stairs are approximately 42m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • There are manual, single doors which may be difficult to open to access the stairwell on all floors.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
  • Comments View
    • The stairs also access floors 1, 2 and 3 of the School of Engineering building.

Lift (Core 2)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located in the Core 2 lobby off the side of the UKRRIN Collaborative area.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, LG and B.
  • Wall mounted information boards are 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 weight limit for the lift is 1000kg.
  • The lift is approximately 40m (43yd 2ft) from the UKRRIN 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 106cm x 209cm (3ft 6in x 6ft 10in).
  • 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 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.
  • Comments View
    • This lift also has access to floors 1, 2 and 3 for the School of Engineering Building.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities

  • Accessible toilet facilities are located on the ground floor by reception and on the basement level next to the Core 2 lifts.
  • Gender Neutral standard toilet facilities are located at reception and just off the Core 2 lobby on the ground floor also by the Core 2 basement lobby..

Accessible Toilet(s) (Ground Floor Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the rear of the reception.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 11m (12yd 1in) from the 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 tactile and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is medium.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • 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 high.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 277cm (4ft 11in x 9ft 1in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 83cm (2ft 9in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type 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) and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • 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 153cm 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 high.
    • 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).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 92cm (3ft).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is high.
    • 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 72cm (2ft 4in).
    • 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 high.
    • The wash basin tap type is sensor.
    • 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 90cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is high.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Basement Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located within the basement to the left as you exit the Core 2 lobby.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 13m (14yd 8in) from the Core 2 lobby.
    • 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 tactile and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is medium.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • 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 high.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 160cm x 290cm (5ft 3in x 9ft 6in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 93cm (3ft 1in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type 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) and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • 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 not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • 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.
    • There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
    • 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).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 92cm (3ft).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is high.
    • 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 72cm (2ft 4in).
    • 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 high.
    • The wash basin tap type is sensor.
    • 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 89cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is high.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located to the left behind reception.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 10m from the main entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is medium.
    • There is tactile and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 84cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • There are similar toilets in the basement with the sink in a different location (photograph 3).