Access Guide
Introduction
- Services / facilities within the building include Varley Park hall of residence reception, South Coast Conferences, conference rooms, restaurant, meeting rooms, laundrette, accessible rooms and student accommodation.
- The Hub forms part of Varley Park Halls of residence and the Varley Park reception is located on the lower ground floor of the hub. Varley Park itself consists of 13 separate buildings. These are: Chalvington Close, Cliffe House, Coastland, Firle House, Framfield, Kingston, Selsey Close, Highview, Hillside, The Hub, Upland, Woodland and Downland.
Getting Here
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By Road
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- Varley Park is situated midway between the Falmer and Moulsecoomb campuses, approximately five kilometres from Brighton city centre.
From the A23: At the Mill Road roundabout, as you approach Brighton take the left-hand lane signposted Newhaven, Lewes (A27).
At the mini roundabout take the second exit (straight over).
At the next mini roundabout take the second exit (right) onto the A27 eastbound.
On the A27 branch left (signposted Hollingbury Industrial Estate) and then at the roundabout take the first exit onto Coldean Lane, signposted Coldean, Ditchling.
Continue down Coldean Lane for approximately 500 metres. Varley Park is on your left.
From the A27 heading east: Follow the directions above from point two, bearing in mind you are already on the A27 heading towards Lewes.
From the A27 westbound: As you approach Brighton follow signs for the A270 to the town centre.
At the first set of traffic lights on the A270 turn right into Coldean Lane.
Varley Park is 500 metres up the hill on the right hand side. - There is visitor parking available to the front of the venue.
- Varley Park is situated midway between the Falmer and Moulsecoomb campuses, approximately five kilometres from Brighton city centre.
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By Bus
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- The number 24 bus runs regularly from Brighton city centre and stops approximately 50m from the Varley Park entrance.
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By Train
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- The nearest station is Falmer which approximately 1.5 miles away.
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Useful Links
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- Please use the link below for more details on buses in the Brighton and Hove area.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- Please see the National Rail Enquiries website for more information on trains to Falmer.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- For more information on getting to Varley Park, please see the University website Varley Park page.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
Useful Information
- To see more information on Brighton Accommodation Office please click here (opens new tab)
- Telephone Number: 01273 644100.
- Email: [email protected]
- To see more information on Student Services please click here (opens new tab)
- Telephone Number: 01273 642888.
- Email: [email protected]
- To see more information on Disability and Dyslexia please click here (opens new tab)
- Telephone Number: 01273 643799.
- Email: [email protected]
- To see more information on South Coast Conferences please click here (opens new tab)
- Telephone Number: 01273 643167.
- The University of Brighton Southcoast Conferences & Events team is responsible for all the commercial letting of the university facilities as well as providing the event support services to external and internal clients. To send them an email, please visit their website and follow the 'enquire' link.
Building Parking
- The building does have its own dedicated parking.
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Building Car Park
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- 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 in 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 4 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 365cm x 475cm (11ft 12in x 15ft 7in).
- 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 12m (13yd 4in) from the Hub 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 tarmac.
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Site/Campus Car Parks
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- There is a site/campus car park for staff, students and visitors within approximately 200m.
- The name of the car park is Hub Reception Car Park.
- The car park is located to the front of the building.
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Public Car Parks
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- There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
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On Street Parking
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- Clearly signed and/or standard marked parking bays are not available.
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Drop Off Point
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- There is not a designated drop off point.
Site/Campus Car Park (Hub Reception Car Park)
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Car Park
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- The car park is located to the front of the Hub.
- The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are the Hub, Chalvington Close.
- 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.
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Charges and Restrictions
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- 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.
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Drop Off Point
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- There is a designated drop off point in this car park.
- There is a dropped kerb from the drop off point.
- The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
Outside Access (The Hub Entrance)
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Entrance
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- 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 95cm (3ft 1in).
- 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 double.
- The width of the door opening is 200cm (6ft 7in).
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
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Second Set of Doors
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- 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 180cm (5ft 11in).
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Ramp/Slope
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- There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
- The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
- The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
Outside Access (Level 3 Accommodation Entrance)
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Entrance
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- 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 card is required for access at this entrance.
- The height of the card reader/lock is 120cm (3ft 11in).
- 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 single.
- The door(s) is / are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 80cm (2ft 7in).
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
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Ramp/Slope
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- 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 slight.
- The ramp is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
- The ramp does have handrails.
- The handrails are on both sides.
- The width of the ramp is 137cm (4ft 6in).
Reception (The Hub Reception)
- The Hub Reception is located immediately to your right after the main entrance.
- The desk is 5m (5yd 1ft) 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 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
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Access
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- There is step free access throughout the building via lift(s).
- There are doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
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Getting Around
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- 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 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 the majority of corridors.
- The lighting levels are varied.
- This building does play background music.
- Music is played by the Hub reception.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
Other Floors
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Steps
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- The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG, UG, 1, 2, 3.
- The stairs are located beyond the Hub entrance.
- The stairs are approximately 8m from the Hub entrance.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The lighting levels are medium.
- 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.
Lift
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located in the main lobby, beyond reception.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG, UG, 1, 2, 3.
- Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
- The lift is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the Hub 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 100cm x 140cm (3ft 3in 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 have an audible announcer.
- The lift has 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 medium.
The Hub
- As well as serving as Varley Park reception, The Hub is also a communal breakout space for the halls of residence.
- It is located on the lower ground floor, to the left after the main entrance.
- There are vending machines, a counter with water and snacks, a pool table, TV's and seating available.
Accommodation (Level 3 Room 14)
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Location of Accessible Accommodation
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- The establishment provides 3 accessible accommodation facilities with an ensuite and/or separate accessible bathroom.
- This information refers to Level 3 Room 14.
- The accessible facilities are located on level 3 of the Hub, to the right after exiting the lift.
- There is level access from an accessible entrance.
- This is by lift.
- The room number viewed was 14.
- The width of the door to the room is 90cm (2ft 11in).
- The dimensions of the clear floor space are 268cm x 255cm (8ft 10in x 8ft 4in).
- The bed is 50cm high.
- The measurement between the bed base and floor is 22cm (9in).
- Light switches are within 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
- There is a functional emergency alarm in the room.
- Other accessible facilities available in the accommodation are a communal lounge and kitchen area for the flats (photographs 6 & 7).
- Assistance dogs are not welcome to stay with residents in accessible accommodation.
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Accessible Bathroom
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- The information relates to the ensuite.
- The dimensions of the bathroom are 255cm x 240cm (8ft 4in x 7ft 10in).
- The door opens outwards.
- The width of the door to the bathroom is 87cm.
- The door weight is light.
- There is a functional emergency alarm in the bathroom.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
- There is not a toilet roll holder.
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the wash basin is 74cm (2ft 5in).
- There is a mixer tap.
- The tap type is lever.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- The measurement of lateral transfer space is 182cm (5ft 12in).
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
- As you face the toilet pan the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- There are mirrors.
- The mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- Disposal facilities are available.
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Bath and Shower
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- There is not a bath.
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Wheel In Shower
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- There is a wheel in shower.
- The shower head height is adjustable.
- The type of shower controls used are lever.
- The shower seat is flip-down.
- The shower seat height is 46cm (1ft 6in).
- There are handrails available for the shower.
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Colour contrast and lighting in accessible rooms
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- The colour contrast between the external room door and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
- The colour contrast between the internal room door and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between external ensuite / bathroom door and wall is high.
- The lighting levels are medium.
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Colour contrast and lighting in accessible bathroom
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- The colour contrast between the internal bathroom door and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between the walls and floor in the bathroom is high.
- The colour contrast between the dropdown rails and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between the grab rails and wall is high.
- Lighting levels are medium.
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Auxiliary Aids - General
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- None of the rooms have auxiliary aids for people with sensory impairments.
- The accommodation does not provide other auxiliary aids for people with mobility impairments.
- Assistance dogs are not welcome to stay with residents in standard rooms.
- There is / are 0 accessible room(s) with a bath.
- There is / are 3 accessible room(s) with a wheel in shower.
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Standard Rooms on Other Floors
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- There are standard rooms on other floors.
- The other floors can be accessed by lift.
- There is level access to standard rooms on other floors.
- Adjoining rooms are not available.
Toilet with Adaptations (LG - Reception)
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
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Location and Access
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- This accessible toilet is located on the lower ground floor, within the toilet area, opposite reception.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the Hub 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 light.
- 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 high.
- The door has a horizontal grab rail.
- The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
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Toilet Features
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- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 220cm (4ft 11in x 7ft 3in).
- 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 left.
- The lateral transfer space is 80cm (2ft 7in).
- The transfer space is obstructed by a female sanitary bin and a waste disposal 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 female sanitary, nappy/incontinence items bin and general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
- The height of the coat hook is 140cm from the floor.
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Additional Fixtures
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- There is a mirror.
- The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- The toilet has a cistern.
- There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (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 80cm (2ft 7in).
- 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 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 80cm.
- 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 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is low.
Toilet with Adaptations (UG - Restaurant)
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
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Location and Access
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- This accessible toilet is located on the upper ground floor, opposite the lift.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) 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 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 light.
- The door is locked by a lever twist.
- The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
- 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.
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Toilet Features
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- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 155cm x 250cm (5ft 1in x 8ft 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 right.
- The lateral transfer space is 88cm (2ft 11in).
- The transfer space is obstructed by a female 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 female sanitary disposal units.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
- The height of the coat hook is 120cm from the floor.
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Additional Fixtures
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- There is a mirror.
- The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- The toilet has a cistern.
- 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 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 73cm (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 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 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is low.
Standard Toilet(s)
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Toilet Facilities
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- The female and male toilets are located on the lower ground floor, beyond the Hub reception, to the left as you face the lift.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 12m from the main 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 available.
- There are horizontal wall mounted rails available on both sides of the toilet.
- The ambulant toilet does not have vertical wall mounted grab rails.
- The height of the wash basin(s) is 80cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
- Lighting levels are good.
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Toilet Facilities 2
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- The female and male toilets are located on the upper ground floor, ahead after exiting the lift.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 10m from the lift.
- 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 81cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
- Lighting levels are good.