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Beech House

University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include open plan office space, meeting rooms, kitchen areas on all floors plus open plan eating area on second floor, accessible toilet, standard toilets and lift.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities

  • Accessible toilet facilities are located on the first floor.
  • Female standard toilet facilities are located on the ground floor rear entrance lobby. There are similar female toilets on the first floor and two female toilets on the second floor.
  • Male standard toilet facilities are located on the ground floor rear entrance lobby. There are similar male toilets on the first floor.

Opening Times

  • Monday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Thursday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Friday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • Approaching from the north-west or south-east 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.
      Turn right on to Edgbaston Park Road and first right to access Beech House, which is approximately 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 south west: Leave the M5 at Junction 4 signposted Birmingham SW) to join the A38.
      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 building is located near the University’s Edgbaston Campus; it’s not necessary to go onto campus to reach the building.
      Beech House has permit holding staff parking, staff pay and display and Blue Badge holder parking, on site.
      The nearest visitor parking is located at the North East Car Park off Pritchatts Road at B15 2SA which is 0.5 miles or a 10 minute walk from the building.
  • By Bus View
    • Bus 61 runs along Bristol Road from the city centre and stops near the junction of Bristol Road and Edgbaston Park Road, bus stop ID nwmatmad which is approximately a 5-minute walk from the building.
  • By Train View
    • From Birmingham New Street Station around six trains an hour call at University Station and take 8 - 10 minutes.
      The final destination for trains are Bromsgrove, Redditch, Hereford and Cardiff Central.
      Beech House is approximately a 15 minute walk from University Station via Terrace Road.
  • Useful Links View

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • Building Car Park View
    • The car park can be used by Blue Badge holders and staff permit holders.
    • Parking charges apply for non permit holders.
    • The car park is located to the front 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 2 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 258cm x 370cm (8ft 6in x 12ft 2in).
    • 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 17m (18yd 1ft) from the main entrance door A.
    • The route from the car park to the building is accessible to a wheelchair user.
    • 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 not a/are not Blue Badge parking bay(s) available within the car park.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Outside Access (Door A - Accessible Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the front of the building.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 122cm (4ft).
    • There is not an intercom.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the card reader/lock is 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • There is not 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 double.
    • The width of the door opening is 140cm (4ft 7in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of less than 2cm.
  • 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 double.
    • The width of the door opening is 114cm (3ft 9in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of less than 2cm.

Outside Access (Side Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the side of the building.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 89cm (2ft 11in).
    • 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 door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 70cm (2ft 4in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of less than 2cm.

Outside Access (Door B - Rear Stepped Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the rear of the building on the Bristol Road side.
    • There is stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 144cm (4ft 9in).
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the card reader/lock is 117cm (3ft 10in).
    • 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 double (with one leaf locked).
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 60cm (1ft 12in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of less than 2cm.
  • 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 double (with one leaf locked).
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 60cm (1ft 12in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of less than 2cm.
  • 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 4 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 height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The handrails are on the left going up the step(s).
  • Comments View
    • The intercom at the first set of doors has a height range of 130cm -144cm depending on which floor button is pressed.

Entrance (Internal Corridor Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the left at the end of the corridor upon entry to the building via Door A - Accessible Entrance.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the card reader/lock is 108cm (3ft 7in).
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 82cm (2ft 8in).

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Other Floors (Internal Entrance)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1 and 2.
    • The stairs are located directly to the right past the internal entrance door.
    • The stairs are approximately 1m from the from the internal entrance door.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • There are manual, single doors which may be difficult to open to access the stairwell from the first floor upwards.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.

Other Floors (Rear Stepped Entrance)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1 and 2.
    • The stairs are located on the ground floor rear entrance lobby.
    • The stairs are approximately 5m from the Rear Stepped Entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • There are manual, single doors which may be difficult to open to access the stairwell from the first floor upwards.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located just beyond the rear stepped entrance doors.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1 and 2.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 630kg.
  • The lift is approximately 35m (38yd 10in) from the internal entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 78cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 109cm x 139cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 7in).
  • 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 not have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is low to moderate.

Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the first floor.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from the Office Manager.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 192cm (4ft 11in x 6ft 4in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The height of the light switch/pull cord is 135cm from floor level.
    • The lighting levels are low to moderate.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • 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 low.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) to the right of the toilet and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is medium.
    • There is not an emergency alarm.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary and general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not 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 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • 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 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is low.
    • 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 is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the right hand side of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is low.
    • 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 99cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 105cm (3ft 5in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is high.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female toilet is located on the ground floor rear entrance lobby.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 32m from the internal entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 89cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The male toilet is located on the ground floor rear entrance lobby.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 34m from the internal entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 89cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • There are similar male and female toilets on the first floor and two female toilets on the second floor.