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Watts Building

University of Brighton, Moulsecoomb Campus, Lewes Road, Brighton, BN2 4GJ

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Access Guide

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Introduction

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:00 - 19:00.
  • Tuesday 08:00 - 19:00.
  • Wednesday 08:00 - 19:00.
  • Thursday 08:00 - 19:00.
  • Friday 08:00 - 19:00.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • The Moulsecoomb site is two kilometres from Brighton city centre and five kilometres from Falmer. Moulsecoomb is easily accessible on foot, bike and public transport.
      From the A23:
      1. At the Mill Road roundabout, as you approach Brighton take the left-hand lane signposted Newhaven, Lewes (A27).
      2. At the mini roundabout take the second exit (straight over).
      3. At the next mini roundabout take the second exit (right) onto the A27 eastbound.
      4. On the A27 branch left (signposted Hollingbury Industrial Estate) and then at the roundabout take the first exit onto Coldean Lane, signposted Coldean, Ditchling.
      5. Continue down Coldean Lane until you reach the junction with A270 Lewes Road (large junction with traffic lights).
      6. Do NOT bear left and take the junction to the A27 signposted universities.
      7. Turn right and continue for approximately two kilometres past Wild Park and under the railway bridge.
      8. The Cockcroft and Watts buildings are on your right and Mithras House is on the left, 100 metres further on.
      From the A27 heading east:
      1. Follow the directions above from the beginning, bearing in mind you are already on the A27 heading towards Lewes.
      2. From the A27 heading west
      3. Follow the directions above from point four.
    • Parking is limited on site. There is a permit controlled car park located in front of Mithras House or on the south side of the Watts Building.
  • By Bus View
    • The Brighton & Hove Bus and Coach Company runs services across the city, with tickets for limited services running past our Brighton campuses and a discount for university UniCard holders on all services. Tickets can be bought from bus drivers, online and on mobile phone apps.
      Brighton & Hove Bus and Coach Company and Compass Travel also operate routes to Eastbourne.
      The university operates an hourly shuttle bus service linking all of our Brighton campuses and Varley Halls during term time. This is free to all staff and students upon production of a university UniCard and operates during term time, see the UB1 timetable for more details.
  • By Train View
    • Moulsecoomb station is situated behind the Watts and Cockcroft buildings and is two stops from the main Brighton station. There are up to four trains an hour from Moulsecoomb to Falmer (four minutes' journey time), two trains an hour direct to Eastbourne (35 minutes' journey time) and regular direct and connecting services to Hastings (70 minutes' average journey time).
      Visit the National Rail Enquiries website for timetables and passenger information.
  • Useful Links View

Useful Information

Site/Campus Car Park (Watts Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located to the south side of the Watts Building.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Watts Building.
    • 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, visitors and 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.
  • 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 Watts Building.
    • This car park is not clearly signposted from the main parts of the campus.

Building Parking

  • 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 on the south side of the Watts 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 5 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked and signposted.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 370cm x 550cm (12ft 2in x 18ft 1in).
    • 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 8m (8yd 2ft) from the Watts Building car park 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 not 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.
    • The name of the car park is Watts car park.
    • The car park is located on the south side of the Watts Building.
  • 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 on the north side of the Watts Building closest to the Advanced Engineering Building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • 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 push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is / are double (with one leaf locked).
    • The width of the door opening is 95cm (3ft 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 not a level landing at the top of the ramp.
    • The ramp does have handrails.
    • The handrails are on both sides.

Outside Access (Building Car Park Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the south side of the Watts Building next to the building car park.
    • 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) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The width of the door opening is 135cm (4ft 5in).
  • 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.
    • The door(s) is / are permanently held open (at the time of the survey).
    • The width of the door opening is 125cm (4ft 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 not a level landing at the top of the ramp.
    • The ramp does have handrails.
    • The handrails are on both sides.

Outside Access (Brighton International College)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the north side of the Watts Building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • A UCard is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the card reader/lock is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • 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 single.
    • The width of the door opening is 77cm (2ft 6in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.

Reception (Enquiries)

  • Enquiries is located on the ground floor of the Watts Building immediately beyond the main entrance.
  • The desk is 12m (13yd 4in) from the main 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 medium.
  • The reception desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • There is not a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.
  • The hearing system is available only on request.
  • The hearing assistance system is signed.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.

Reception (Brighton International College)

  • Reception is located on the first floor of the Watts Building after the Brighton International College entrance.
  • The desk is 18m (19yd 2ft) from the Brighton International College entrance.
  • Clear signage for the reception area is not visible from the entrance.
  • There is stepped access to this reception area.
  • The lighting levels in the reception area are medium.
  • The reception desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • 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 not a hearing assistance system.

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 pictorial directional signage at key points of circulation routes.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of corridors.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
    • This building does not play background music.
    • There is a hearing assistance system.
    • The system is a portable loop.
    • The portable hearing loop is located at the enquiries desk.
    • The hearing system is available only on request.
    • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
    • The stairs are located immediately beyond the main entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 12m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • There are manual, heavy, double doors to access the stairwell from the first floor upwards.
    • 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 second stairwell located in the left side of the building when entering through the main entrance. There are double, heavy doors to enter the stairwell on all floors, the steps are medium and there are handrails on both sides.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located immediately to your right after the main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • There are manual, heavy, double doors to access the lift lobby from the first floor upwards.
  • The lift is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 105cm (3ft 5in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 190cm x 150cm (6ft 3in x 4ft 11in).
  • 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 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.

Lecture Theatre(s) (504)

  • 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 no designated spaces for wheelchair users within the lecture theatre(s).
  • 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 73cm.
  • The speaker's desk/table is not height adjustable.
  • 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 fixed furniture within the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre 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.
  • There are no designated spaces for a wheelchair user, however, there is level access space for a wheelchair at the front of the lecture theatre as shown in photograph 4.

Computer Room(s)

  • Directional and locational signage for the room(s) is not available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible.
  • The corridor outside the room(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • There is step free access into the room(s).
  • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
  • The door(s) for the room(s) is/are push pad activated.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
  • There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
  • There is not fixed furniture within the room(s).
  • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the room(s).
  • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) is 70cm.
  • There is a/are chair(s) with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
  • Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.

Brighton International College

  • The Brighton International College prepares international students for degrees at the University. The college is situated within the Watts building and there is a common area and seminar rooms dedicated to the college.

Accessible Toilet (Ground Floor)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is Braille, tactile, written text and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 27m (29yd 1ft) from the 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 unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 145cm x 190cm (4ft 9in x 6ft 3in).
    • 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 left.
    • 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 and open waste paper bin disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • 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 not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • 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 a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 130cm (4ft 3in).
    • 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 100cm.
  • 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 poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Accessible Toilet (Second Floor Computer Room)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is written text and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 32m (34yd 2ft) from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the second floor of the Watts Building in the open access computer room at the far end of the room opposite the entrance.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • 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 twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 200cm x 215cm (6ft 7in x 7ft 1in).
    • There is 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 125cm (4ft 1in).
    • 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 fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and open waste paper bin disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • 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 not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 49cm (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 95cm.
  • 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 good.
    • There is a good 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 medium.

Accessible Toilet (Third Floor)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is written text, pictorial, tactile and Braille signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the third floor of the Watts Building to the right of the lifts.
    • There are identical accessible toilets in the same location on the fourth, fifth and sixth floors.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • 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 twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 94cm (3ft 1in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 157cm x 200cm (5ft 2in x 6ft 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • 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 not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • 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 not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 45cm (1ft 6in).
    • 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 105cm.
  • 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 poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is poor.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard Toilet Surveyed View
    • A male standard toilet was surveyed.
    • The toilet surveyed is located on the second floor.
    • 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 20m from the lift.
    • 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.