You are on Introduction. Skip to the next section.

Introduction

• Services / facilities within the building include staff offices, Vice-Chancellor's office, General Boardroom, Combination Room, Syndicate Room, Communications Room, Registry's Office and Finance and Research offices.
• Services / facilities within the grounds include Senate House, Reprographics.
• Step free access to the building is from Senate House yard at the front of the building.
  The main entrance has stepped access from the car park and this is where the reception area is located along with staff areas.
  There is also stepped access to the Benefactors Staircase Entrance from the car park.
  However this part of the building can also be accessed from the Senate House yard side of the building via the central cobbled courtyard which has an access ramp.
  There is lift access to the Combination Room, Dais and East Room on the Senate House Yard side of the building.
• Senate House link (new tab) - click here.

You are on Getting Here. Skip to the next section.

Getting Here

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• By Road View
  • The New Museum Site is located off Bene’t Street in central Cambridge. It can also be reached via the Pembroke Arch on Downing Street.
  • The Old Schools building has a car park outside the main entrance which can be accessed from Trinity Lane.
    However this road is pedestrian only between 10.00 and 16.00. The car park is for permit holders only. There is on street parking for Blue Badge holders in King's Parade on the opposite side of the building outside Senate House yard.
• By Bus View
  • The Old Schools building is in the centre of Cambridge.
    The main bus station is at Drummer Street and there are further bus stops on Emmanuel Street and St Andrews Street.
    Park and Ride is available from all major routes into the city.
    Further details can be found here (link opens in new tab)
• By Train View
  • Cambridge train station is approximately 1.5 miles from the Old Schools building.
• Useful Links View
  • For Coach and Bus information.
  • To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
  • Travel Line Bus information.
  • To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
  • The National Rail Enquiries Website.
  • To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
• AccessAble Related Links View
  • Cambridge Station AccessAble Access Guide (new tab) - click here.

You are on Useful Information. Skip to the next section.

Useful Information

• To see more information on Accessibility and Disability Resource Centre please click here (opens new tab).
• Telephone Number: 01223 332 301.
• Email: [email protected].
• The Accessibility and Disability Resource Centre is located on the ground floor of the Student Services Centre on Bene't Street, Cambridge, CB2 3PT.
• To see more information on University Counselling Service, Student Wellbeing Service, Mental Health Advice Service and Harassment and Violence Service please click here (opens new tab).
• Telephone Number: 01223 332 865.
• Email: [email protected].
• The Student Support Services are located on the third floor of the Student Services Centre on Bene't Street, Cambridge, CB2 3PT.
• To see more information on Careers Service please click here (opens new tab).
• Email: [email protected].
• The Careers Service is located on the second floor of the Student Services Centre on Bene't Street, Cambridge, CB2 3PT.

You are on Building Parking. Skip to the next section.

Building Parking

• The building does have its own dedicated parking.

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• Building Car Park View
  • The car park can be used by permit holders.
  • The car park is located off Trinity Lane.
  • 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) markings are faded.
  • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 470cm x 445cm (15ft 5in x 14ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
  • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do need to be booked in advance.
  • The nearest designated bay is 16m (17yd 1ft) from the main 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 uneven surfaces.
  • The dropped kerb between the car park and the building does not have tactile paving.
  • The car park surface is tarmac.
• On Street Parking View
  • Clearly signed and/or marked on street Blue Badge parking bays are available.
  • The on street Blue Badge parking bay(s) is/are located on King's Parade.
• Drop Off Point View
  • There is not a designated drop off point.
• Comments View
  • Two of the Blue Badge bays were being used as standard bays at the time of the survey.
  • The other one was fenced off for building works.
  • There is a horizontal strip of Blue Badge parking in King's Parade as shown in Photographs 7 and 8.

You are on Reprographics Centre. Skip to the next section.

Reprographics Centre

• The Reprographics Centre undertakes printing and copying for the central University Departments.
• It is located in the Old Schools building but cannot be accessed internally.
• The entrance is located in the car park.
• The door opens away from you (push) and is heavy.
• The door opening width is 81cm.
• There is a 10cm step in front of the entrance.
• The step is not clearly marked.
• There is another 16cm step immediately beyond the entrance which is clearly marked.
• There are no handrails for these steps.
• Inside there is a small room with a counter and 2 seats.
• The seats do not have armrests.
• The height of the counter is 100cm.
• There is not a hearing assistance system at the counter.
• The Post Room and Old Schools Facilities office is located off this room.
• The opening times for the Reprographics Centre are 08.30 - 13.00 and 13.45 - 16.30 Monday to Friday.
• For more details please see the Reprographics web site
• The telephone number for enquiries is 01223 332324
• The email for enquiries is: [email protected].

You are on Outside Access (Main Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the building, in the car park.
  • There is stepped 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 154cm (5ft 1in).
  • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
  • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is / are single.
  • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 100cm (3ft 3in).
• Second Set of Doors View
  • There is a second set of doors.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is / are single.
  • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 102cm (3ft 4in).
• Step(s) View
  • There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
  • The step(s) is / are located leading up to the entrance from the car park.
  • There is / are 5 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 deep (18cm+).
  • The steps do not have handrails.
• Comments View
  • There is also a card reader for the second set of doors.
  • The height of the card reader is 100cm.
  • There are push buttons for exiting on both doors at heights of 108cm and 135cm.

You are on Outside Access (Benefactors Staircase Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Benefactors Staircase Entrance)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located in the car park at the rear of the building, to the left of the main entrance.
  • There is stepped 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 105cm (3ft 5in).
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
  • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • 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 64cm (2ft 1in).
• 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 not have handrails.

You are on Senate House Hill to the Senate House Yard. Skip to the next section.

Senate House Hill to the Senate House Yard

• Access to the Senate House yard from Senate House Hill is via a level access gateway.
• The gates open away from you and the opening width is 205cm.
• At least one of the gates would usually be permanently held open.
• There is no access to the general public and a sign is left in the gateway to make this clear.
• There is some slightly uneven paving on the path in front of the gateway.
• After entering there are paved paths to both Senate House and the Old Schools Building.

You are on Level Change (Senate House Passage to the Senate House Yard). Skip to the next section.

Level Change (Senate House Passage to the Senate House Yard)

• There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
• The step(s) is/are located leading up to the Senate House Yard from Senate House Passage.
• There is/are 4 step(s) to the area/service.
• There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the steps.
• The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
• The step(s) is/are deep (18cm+).
• There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

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• Comments View
  • There is a permanently held open gate at the top of the steps.
  • The opening width of the gateway is 135cm.

You are on Outside Access (Senate House Yard Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Senate House Yard Entrance)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located at the front 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 116cm (3ft 10in).
  • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
  • The height of the card reader/lock is 105cm (3ft 5in).
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
  • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are push pad activated when exiting.
  • The door(s) is / are single (with a locked extension leaf).
  • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 78cm (2ft 7in).
• Comments View
  • There is also a push pad for entering but it was not working at the time of the survey.
  • The height of both push pads is 90cm.

You are on Entrance (Cobbled Courtyard to Senate House Yard Side of Building). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Cobbled Courtyard to Senate House Yard Side of Building)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located in the central cobbled courtyard.
  • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
  • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
  • The height of the card reader/lock is 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • 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 78cm (2ft 7in).
• Ramp/Slope View
  • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
  • The ramp/slope is located leading up to the entrance from the cobbled courtyard.
  • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • The ramp does have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides going up.
• Comments View
  • The entrance gives access to the Senate House Yard Entrance foyer from the cobbled courtyard.

You are on Cobbled Courtyard - Quiet Space. Skip to the next section.

Cobbled Courtyard - Quiet Space

• The cobbled courtyard is a quiet zone which has wooden benches to rest.
• It is necessary to pass through this area to gain step free access to the Benefactors stairwell from the Senate House yard side of the building.

You are on Entrance (Cobbled Courtyard to Benefactors Staircase). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Cobbled Courtyard to Benefactors Staircase)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located in the central cobbled courtyard.
  • 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 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The door(s) is / are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 122cm (4ft).
• Comments View
  • There are push pads for entering and exiting but they were not working at the time of the survey.
  • The height of the push pads are 84cm for entering and 80cm for exiting.

You are on Reception. Skip to the next section.

Reception

• The main reception is located on the ground floor.
• The desk is 4m (4yd 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 moderate to good.
• 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 not a hearing assistance system.

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• Comments View
  • There is a small waiting area in the reception area with 2 armchairs and a 38cm coffee table as shown in photograph 3.

You are on Getting Around. Skip to the next section.

Getting Around

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• Access View
  • There is a steep slope, with no handrails, for access to the South Room offices, standard toilets and General Board Room, off the Benefactors Staircase lobby area.
  • The width of the ramp is 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • There is/are 2 unmarked step(s), with no handrails, for access to the staff corridor off the main reception area.
  • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • Photograph 6 shows these steps.
  • There is/are 4 unmarked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to the Business Relations Team office and a male standard toilet .
  • Photograph 7 shows these steps.
• Getting Around View
  • There is not clear signage for building facilities/areas in the foyer/reception area.
  • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all corridors.
  • The lighting levels are varied.
  • This building does not play background music.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

You are on Other Floors (Benefactors Staircase). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (Benefactors Staircase)

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• Steps View
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G and 1.
  • The stairs are located immediately beyond the Benefactors Staircase Entrance, to the right.
  • The stairs are approximately 2m from the Benefactors Staircase Entrance.
  • There are 15+ steps between floors.
  • The lighting levels are low.
  • The steps are not clearly marked.
  • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The steps have a handrail on the left going up.
  • There is a landing.
• Other View
  • The area(s)/service(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are the Vice Chancellors Office.

You are on Other Floors (Main Reception). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (Main Reception)

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• Steps View
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1 and 2.
  • The stairs are located in the main reception area.
  • The stairs are approximately 1m from the main entrance.
  • There are 15+ steps between floors.
  • There are manual, heavy, single doors to access the stairwell on the ground floor.
  • 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 the left going up.
  • There is a landing.
  • The lift is located to the left after 6 steps.

You are on Other Floors (Staff Area). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (Staff Area)

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• Steps View
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G and 1.
  • The stairs are located in a staff corridor off the main reception area.
  • The stairs are approximately 17m from the main entrance.
  • There are 15+ steps between floors.
  • The lighting levels are bright.
  • The steps are not clearly marked.
  • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The steps have a handrail on the left going up.
  • There is a landing.
• Other View
  • The area(s)/service(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are staff offices and a female standard toilet.

You are on Lift (Reception). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Reception)

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located off the main reception staircase.
• The lift is a standard lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are UG, 1 and 2.
• The lift is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
• Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.

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• Comments View
  • This lift was not operating at the time of the survey.

You are on Lift (Main). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Main)

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located in corridor off the Senate House Yard Entrance foyer.
• The lift is a standard lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are 0, 1 and 2.
• Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
• The lift is approximately 14m (15yd 11in) from the Senate House Yard 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 114cm x 138cm (3ft 9in x 4ft 6in).
• There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
• The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
• The lift does have an audible announcer.
• The lift does not have a hearing enhancement system.
• The lift does 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 moderate to good.

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• Comments View
  • Level 2 is the Dais raised area of the Combination Room which also gives access to the East Room Office.
  • There is separate exit door on that level.

You are on Eating and Drinking (Combination Room). Skip to the next section.

Eating and Drinking (Combination Room)

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• Location and Access View
  • The following information is for the self-service area.
  • The self-service area is located on level 1.
  • There is step-free access, via lift, to the self-service area.
• Service and Menus View
  • Plastic/takeaway cups are available.
  • This area does not play background music.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system .
• Self-Service Counter(s) View
  • The height of the counter is 95cm.
• Tables and Seating View
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There are some tables which are accessible to wheelchair users.
  • The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 74cm.
  • There are also coffee tables.
  • The surface height of the lowest table is 51cm.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests on both sides.
  • The type of flooring in this area is carpet and wood.
  • There is some flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • The hot drink machine controls range from 140cm to 150cm in height.

You are on Level Change (Level 2 - Dais and East Room). Skip to the next section.

Level Change (Level 2 - Dais and East Room)

• There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
• The step(s) is/are located leading up to level 2.
• There is/are 5 step(s) to the area/service.
• The lighting levels at the step(s) are medium.
• The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
• The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
• There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
• The handrail(s) is/are on the left going up the step(s).
• There is a lift to access this area/service.
• The lift does bypass the step(s).

You are on Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities. Skip to the next section.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities

• Accessible toilet facilities are located at the front of the building, close to the Senate House Yard Entrance.
• Female and male standard toilet facilities are located at the front of the building, close to the Senate House Yard Entrance.
• Female and male standard toilet facilities are located in the staff area off the main reception.
• Female and male standard toilet facilities are located just off the Benefactors staircase lobby area.

You are on Accessible Toilet(s). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet(s)

• There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.

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• Location and Access View
  • This accessible toilet is located in corridor off the Senate House Yard Entrance foyer.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the Senate House Yard 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 good.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The door is locked by a twist lock.
  • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 77cm (2ft 6in).
  • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
  • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
  • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is good.
• Toilet Features View
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 136cm x 220cm (4ft 6in x 7ft 3in).
  • The accessible toilet does not 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 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • 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 good.
  • 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 good.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • There is an emergency alarm.
  • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
  • There is 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 a/are coat hook(s).
  • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 101cm and 137cm 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 good.
  • 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 contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is poor.
  • 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).
  • 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 good.
  • 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 86cm.
  • 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 157cm.
  • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is poor.
  • There is a hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the hand dryer is 116cm (3ft 10in).
  • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is good.
• Baby Changing Facilities View
  • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
  • There is a flip down baby change table available.
  • The height of the baby change table is 90cm.

You are on Standard Toilet(s) (Senate House Yard). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s) (Senate House Yard)

• Standard toilet facilities are available.

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• Toilet Facilities View
  • The shared toilet is located in corridor off the Senate House Yard Entrance foyer.
  • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
  • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 9m from the Senate House Yard Entrance.
  • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
  • 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 84cm.
  • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
  • Lighting levels are good.

You are on Standard Toilet(s) (Benefactors Staircase and Reception Corridor). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s) (Benefactors Staircase and Reception Corridor)

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• Toilet Facilities View
  • The female and male toilets are located just of the Benefactors Staircase lobby area.
  • There is ramped/sloped access into the toilet(s).
  • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 18m from the Benefactors Staircase Entrance.
  • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • It was not possible to access the female toilet.
  • 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 85cm.
  • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
  • Lighting levels are good.
• Toilet Facilities 2 View
  • The male toilet is located in a corridor off the main reception area.
  • There is stepped access into the toilet(s).
  • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
  • There is written text 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 lever mixer.
  • Lighting levels are moderate to good.