Access Guide
Introduction
- Services / facilities within the building include Laboratories, Libraries, Offices and Teaching Rooms.
Getting Here
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By Road
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- The Downing Street site is located to the south of the Cambridge City Centre. It can be reached from the A10 via Hauxton Road, High Street and Trumpington Street.
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By Bus
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- There is a bus stop located along Downing Street for St Andrew's Street which serves route 75 and for the Park and Ride. There is also a stop for the Busway along Regent Street. These serve A the Busway and D the Busway.
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By Train
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- Cambridge train station is approximately 1.3 miles or a 25 minute walk from the Mill Lane Buildings.
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Useful Links
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- Stage 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
Useful Information
- To see more information on Disability Resource Centre please click here (opens new tab).
- Telephone Number: 01223 332 301.
- Email: [email protected].
- The Disability Resource Centre is located in Student Services Centre on Bene't Street, Cambridge, CB2 3PT.
- To see more information on Student Advice Centre please click here (opens new tab).
- Telephone Number: 01223 746 999.
- Email: [email protected].
- To see more information on Department of Geography Library please click here (opens new tab).
- Telephone Number: 01223 333 391.
- Email: [email protected].
- The library is located on the first floor of the Building.
- To see more information on Accommodation Service please click here (opens new tab).
- Telephone Number: 01223 338 099.
- Email: [email protected].
- The accommodation service is located within Kellet Lodge, Tennis Court Road Cambridge CB2 1QJ. It is open from Monday to Friday 9am - 12:45pm and 2pm - 4:45pm.
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 permit 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 not available.
- Assistance may be required because there is / are slopes/ramps.
- 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 and visitors within approximately 200m.
- The name of the car park is Downing Site Parking.
- The car park is located throughout the Downing Site with a Blue Badge bay to the rear of the Courtyard Building.
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Public Car Parks
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- There is a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
- The name of the car park is the Grand Arcade Car Park.
- The car park is located within the Grand Arcade.
Site/Campus Car Park
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Car Park
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- The car park is located around the Downing Site with a Blue Badge bay located to the rear of the Courtyard Building.
- The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Department of Archaeology (Courtyard Building McDonald Institute) and the Sedgwick Building.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
- The car park surface is concrete.
- Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
- The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
- There is/are 1 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
- The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 250cm x 615cm (8ft 2in x 20ft 2in).
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Charges and Restrictions
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- This car park can be used by Blue Badge holders, permit holders and staff permit holders.
- There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
- Signs are not provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
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Drop Off Point
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- There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
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Car Park Access
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- There is sloped access to the car park from the Downing Site.
- The nearest designated bay is 25m (27yd 1ft) from the Courtyard Building main entrance.
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Comments
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- There is car parking located throughout the Downing Site.
- Car parking is restricted and over-subscribed.
Outside Access (Main 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 85cm (2ft 9in).
- 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 door(s) is / are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 140cm (4ft 7in).
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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 right 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 not have handrails.
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Comments
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- There is also a steep ramp to the front of the entrance with handrails on either side. This can be seen in photograph 4.
Outside Access (Stepped Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located at the front left of the building.
- There is stepped 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) 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 110cm (3ft 7in).
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Step(s)
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- There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
- The step(s) is / are located in front of the entrance.
- There is / are 10 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.
Other Floors (Main Entrance Staircase)
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Steps
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- The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG, Main Entrance, G.
- The stairs are located in front of you on entrance.
- The stairs are approximately 4m from the main entrance.
- There are 11 steps between floors.
- The lighting levels are bright.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- The steps are deep (18cm+).
- The steps do have handrails.
- The steps have a handrail on the right going up.
- There is not a landing.
- There is a separate set of stairs to the left of the building from floors B, G, 1, 2 and 3. This can be seen in photographs 2 and 3.
Lift
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located in front of you on entrance.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG, Main Entrance, G.
- Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
- The weight limit for the lift is 400kg.
- The lift is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 86cm (2ft 10in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 90cm x 150cm (2ft 11in x 4ft 11in).
- There are 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 not have an audible announcer.
- The lift does not have a hearing enhancement system.
- The lift does 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 bright.
Getting Around
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Access
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- There is/are 2 clearly marked step(s), with no handrails, for access to rooms 19 and 22, general office and rooms 50a, 50b, 50c and 50d on the ground floor.
- The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
- The steps can be seen in photograph 1.
- There is/are 2 clearly marked step(s), with no handrails, for access to the Instrumentation Lab and the Tree Ring Unit on the lower ground floor.
- The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
- The steps can be seen in photograph 2.
- There are not 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 good 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) (Small Lecture Theatre)
- 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).
- There is a slight ramp/slope for access to the lecture theatre(s).
- The width of the ramp/slope is 116cm.
- The ramp/slope has a handrail on the right leading in.
- The ramp or slope does bypass the step(s).
- There is/are 2 deep (18cm+) step(s) for access to 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 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 90cm.
- The speaker's desk/table is not height adjustable.
- There is not staggered seating within the lecture theatre(s).
- 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 not fixed furniture within the lecture theatre(s).
- The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) is 67cm.
- 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.
Lecture Theatre(s) (Large Lecture Theatre)
- 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).
- There is/are 3 medium height (11cm - 17cm) step(s) for access to the lecture theatre(s).
- The step(s) is/are clearly marked and has/have handrails on both sides.
- 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 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 92cm.
- 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 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.
Lift (Large Lecture Theatre)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located on the lower ground floor leading to the lecture theatre.
- The lift is a platform lift.
- Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
- The weight limit for the lift is 225kg.
- The lift is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the entrance lift.
- Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 114cm (3ft 9in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 114cm x 138cm (3ft 9in x 4ft 6in).
- There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
- The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
- The lift does not have an audible announcer.
- The lift does not have a hearing enhancement system.
- The lift does 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 bright.
Opening Times (Department of Geography Library (Term Time))
- Monday 08:45 - 17:45.
- Tuesday 08:45 - 17:45.
- Wednesday 08:45 - 17:45.
- Thursday 08:45 - 17:45.
- Friday 08:45 - 17:45.
- Saturday 08:45 - 12:45.
- Sunday Closed.
Opening Times (Department of Geography Library (Outside Term Time))
- Monday 09:00 - 13:00.
- Monday 14:00 - 16:30.
- Tuesday 09:00 - 13:00.
- Tuesday 14:00 - 16:30.
- Wednesday 09:00 - 13:00.
- Wednesday 09:00 - 16:30.
- Thursday 09:00 - 13:00.
- Thursday 09:00 - 16:30.
- Friday 09:00 - 13:00.
- Friday 14:00 - 15:30.
- Saturday Closed.
- Sunday Closed.
Entrance (Department of Geography Library)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located on the first floor of the building to which there is no step free access.
- There is stepped access at this entrance.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is not an intercom.
- 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 112cm (3ft 8in).
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Second Set of Doors
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- There is a second set of doors.
- There are no doors at this entrance.
- The width of the door opening is 94cm (3ft 1in).
Reception (Department of Geography Library)
- The Department of Geography Library reception is located just inside the library on the first floor.
- The desk is 14m (15yd 11in) from the main staircase.
- 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 bright.
- The reception desk/counter is high (110cm+).
- There is not a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
- The desk is not staffed.
- There is not a bell to attract attention.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
Library (Department of Geography Library)
- This library does not have a regular supply of books in Braille.
- This library does not have a regular supply of books in large print.
- This library does not have a regular supply of books in audio format.
- There is not an ordering service.
- The library does not have computers with accessible software.
- Auxiliary aids are available for computer users.
- A height adjustable chair is / are available.
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Comments
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- The library is located on the first floor to which there is no step free access.
- There are some shelves which require step ladders to access.
Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities
- Accessible toilet facilities are located on the lower ground floor.
- Female and male standard toilet facilities are located on the lower ground floor and the third floor..
Accessible Toilet(s) (Right Hand Transfer)
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
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Location and Access
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- This accessible toilet is located to your right on exiting the lift on the lower ground floor.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the lift.
- There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is 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 poor.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door may be difficult to open.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
- 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 poor.
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Toilet Features
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- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 148cm x 255cm (4ft 10in x 8ft 4in).
- 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 not a spatula type lever flush.
- There is a lever flush.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is 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 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 183cm and 190cm 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 wall which acts as a backrest.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
- 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 good.
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin and tap(s) cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
- There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the right hand side of the wash basin.
- The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
- 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 92cm.
- 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 good.
Standard Toilet(s)
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Toilet Facilities
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- The male toilet is located to your right on exiting the lift on the lower ground floor.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s), via lift.
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 5m from the entrance lift.
- 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 83cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
- Lighting levels are good.