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Watson Building

Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include staff offices, teaching rooms, seminar rooms, lecture theatres, computer clusters, study spaces and resource centre.
  • This building is the base for the School of Mathematics and Statistics, part of the College of Engineering and Physical Sciences and the Centre for Excellence in Interdisciplinary Mental Health, (CEIMH).

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. The University is on the 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 south west: 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 car parks located throughout the Campus which require permits for staff. Blue Badge holders can park on Campus and must use the intercom to Security to pass through the security barriers at each entrance.
  • By Bus View
    • Buses X20, X21 and X22 from the Bus Mall, Moor Street Queensway and Smallbrook Queensway travel along Pritchatts Road, and stop (stop ID nwmdmtjd) opposite the North East Car Park, around 60 metres from the Education Building.
      Buses 1a and 51s stop near the King Edwards High School on Edgbaston Park Road opposite the University’s Main Entrance (Stop ID: nwmdtawg) around 200 metres from the building.
      Numbers X61 and 63 travel from the Bus Mall, Moor Street Queensway, and from New Street Station, St Martin’s Queensway, to the Bristol Road, at the corner of Edgbaston Park Road (Stop ID: nwmatmap) around 600 metres from the building. The services all run frequently from the city centre.
  • By Train View
    • From Birmingham New Street Station around six trains an hour call at University Station and take 8-10 minutes. The ?nal destinations for trains are Bromsgrove, Redditch, Hereford and Cardiff Central. The Education Building is approximately 900 metres and 11 minute walk from University Station.
  • Useful Links View

Useful Information

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities

  • Accessible toilet facilities are located on the ground floor, 1st floor and in Academic Services.
  • Gender Neutral standard toilet facilities are located on the 1st floor.
  • Male standard toilet facilities are located on the basement floor, 2nd floor and also on the staircase between the ground and 1st floors..
  • Female standard toilet facilities are located on the basement floor, ground floor and also on the staircase between the 1st and 2nd floors..

Building Parking

  • The building does have its own dedicated parking.
  • Building Car Park View
    • The car park can be used by Blue Badge holders and staff 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 3 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 395cm x 480cm (12ft 12in x 15ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do vary in size.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
    • The nearest designated bay is 8m (8yd 2ft) from the Academic Services 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 dropped kerbs.
    • The dropped kerb between the car park and the building does have tactile paving.
    • The car park surface is concrete.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped and 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 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • 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 2cm or below.
  • 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 slight.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
    • The ramp does not have handrails.
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located to the right as you face the entrance.
    • There is / are 10 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • There is 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.

Outside Access (Side Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the side of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • 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) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 70cm (2ft 4in).
  • 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 steep.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
    • The ramp does not have handrails.

Outside Access (Rear Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the building.
    • There is stepped access at this entrance.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the card reader/lock is 102cm (3ft 4in).
    • 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) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 66cm (2ft 2in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located to the right as you face 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 (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do not have handrails.
  • Comments View
    • A key or card is needed to access this entrance.

Outside Access (Academic Services)

  • 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.
    • 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 158cm (5ft 2in).
    • 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 158cm (5ft 2in).
  • 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.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the majority of the building.
    • There is/are 6 clearly marked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to the lift from the main entrance.
    • The step(s) is/are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • This relates to photograph 7.
    • There is/are 6 clearly marked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to the male toilets on the 2nd floor.
    • The step(s) is/are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • This relates to photograph 8.
    • 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 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.
    • This building does not play background music.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Lecture Theatre(s) (Lecture Theatre A)

  • Directional and locational signage for the lecture theatre(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible.
  • The corridor outside the lecture theatre(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • There is step free access into the lecture theatre(s).
  • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the lecture theatre(s).
  • The door(s) for the lecture theatre(s) is/are not push pad activated.
  • There are designated spaces for wheelchair users within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The designated spaces for wheelchairs users are located at the front.
  • There is level access to the designated seating from an entrance.
  • There is space for an assistance dog.
  • There is step free access to the speaker's area at the front of the lecture theatre(s).
  • The height of the speaker's desk/table is 85cm.
  • The speaker's desk/table is not height adjustable.
  • The lectern is height adjustable.
  • The lectern can be adjusted between the recommended heights of 80cm and 110cm (lowest part).
  • There is staggered seating within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The steps to the staggered seating do not have handrails.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system for the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is fixed furniture within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) is 70cm.
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There are no chairs with armrests on both sides within the lecture theatre(s).
  • Floor coverings in the lecture theatre(s) are even with no trip hazards.

Mathematics Learning Centre

  • The Mathematics Learning Centre is located to the rear of the 1st floor.
  • The Mathematics Learning Centre offers additional help to undergraduate students from all disciplines, in addition to support provided by their undergraduate programme. Drop-in support is aimed at foundation and first-year undergraduate students from all disciplines and programmes of study within the University, and at undergraduates from other year groups identified as having particular difficulties with basic mathematical and statistical techniques.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are B, G, 1, 2, 3.
    • The stairs are located directly ahead from the main entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 7m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • There are manual, heavy, double doors to access the stairwell on the first floor, on the second floor and on the third floor.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • There is a similar set of stairs located at the rear of the building.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left from the main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are B, G, 1, 2, 3.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main 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 107cm x 87cm (3ft 6in x 2ft 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 have a hearing loop 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 medium.

Accessible Shower

  • Accessible shower facilities are available.
  • The accessible shower(s) surveyed is/are located on the first floor to the right as you exit the lift and next to the accessible toilet.
  • The facilities available in the accessible shower(s) include; an adjustable shower head, handrails and a flip-down seat.
  • The height of the seat is 57cm (1ft 10in).
  • Other facilities available include; Emergency pull cord.
  • There is level access to the services from the accessible shower facilities.
  • Comments View
    • There is a second flip down chair in the shower room. This one has a height of 47cm.
    • The room contains a wash basin with handrails on both sides.
    • The height of the wash basin is 80cm and has a lever mixer tap.

Toilet with Adaptations (Academic Services - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the left as you enter Academic Services.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the Academic Services 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 locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm (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 162cm x 260cm (5ft 4in x 8ft 6in).
    • The accessible toilet does 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 96cm (3ft 2in).
    • 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 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 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 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 cistern.
    • 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 98cm (3ft 3in).
    • 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 70cm (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 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 94cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 102cm (3ft 4in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is low.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to your right as you enter the building.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) 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 pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • 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 172cm x 310cm (5ft 8in x 10ft 2in).
    • 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 102cm (3ft 4in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin and storage items.
    • There is a flush, however it is not 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 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).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 100cm and 180cm from the floor.
  • 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 a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf does not have the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
    • The shelf is at a height of 145cm.
    • The shelf is not located where it is reachable.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • 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 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • 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 70cm (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 lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 84cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 106cm (3ft 6in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is high.

Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor - Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the first floor to the right as you exit the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 16m (17yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • 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 Braille, tactile and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • 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 143cm x 212cm (4ft 8in x 6ft 11in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 72cm (2ft 4in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not 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 low.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on the left.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is not 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 high.
    • 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 disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 149cm 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 cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • 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 82cm (2ft 8in).
    • 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 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 85cm.
    • 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 96cm (3ft 2in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is high.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The gender neutral toilets are located on the first floor to the right as you exit the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 15m from the lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is pictorial 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 83cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The male toilet is located on the 2nd floor at the end of the corridor as you exit the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 38m from the lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is pictorial 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 83cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are good.
    • The male toilets described above are shown in photographs 3 - 6.