Access Guide
Summary
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Building
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- Services / Facilities within the building include;
Level 1 - study space, seminar and teaching rooms.
Level 2 - Theatre Lab, seminar and teaching rooms.
- Services / Facilities within the building include;
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Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities
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- Accessible toilet facilities are located on levels 1 and 2 of the building, to the right as you exit the main lift.
- Female standard toilet facilities are located on levels 1 and 2 of the building, to the right as you exit the main lift.
- Male standard toilet facilities are located on levels 1 and 2 of the building, to the right as you exit the main lift.
Getting Here (Central Campus)
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By Road
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- The University of Essex Colchester Campus is located on the east side of Colchester just off the A133.
The North Campus area is accessed from the Colchester Entrance, off the A133 (Clingoe Hill) onto Boundary Road.
To access the South Campus area. take the B1028 (Colchester Road) off the A133 towards Wivenhoe.
The Wivenhoe Entrance onto the campus Boundary Road is approximately 600m along this road. - There are multiple car parks on the Colchester campus including the North Towers Car Park in the North Campus, Car Parks A and B and the multi-storey car park in the South Campus and the Valley Car Park.
- For more information on getting to the Colchester Campus please click here (opens new tab).
- The University of Essex Colchester Campus is located on the east side of Colchester just off the A133.
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By Bus
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- There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the campus.
- There are multiple bus stops along Boundary Road around the edge of the Colchester campus.
These are served by routes 61, 62, 62A, 62B, 74, 74A, 74B, 75, 75A, 76, 76A, 78, 87, 97A, 98, X15 and National Express Coaches. - For more information on bus timetabling around Colchester please click here (opens new tab).
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By Train
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- The nearest Railway Station is Hythe.
- Hythe station is approximately 1.2km from the Colchester campus and is served by Greater Anglia Trains.
Colchester Station, in the town centre, is served by more frequent trains from London Liverpool Street.
From here you can catch a connecting train to Hythe, or take bus numbers 61 or 62 from the station to the campus. - For more information on trains to Colchester and Hythe please click here (opens new tab).
- For more information on Colchester Station please click here (opens new tab).
Useful Information
- The Student Services Hub is the place for advice, support and the information students need.
- To see more information on Student Services Hub please click here (opens new tab).
- Telephone Number: 01206 874 000.
- Email: [email protected].
- To see more information on Undergraduate Admissions please click here (opens new tab).
- Telephone Number: 01206 873 666.
- Email: [email protected].
- To see more information on Postgraduate Admissions please click here (opens new tab).
- Telephone Number: 01206 872 719.
- Email: [email protected].
- To see more information on Accommodation please click here (opens new tab).
- Telephone Number: 01206 874 000.
- Email: [email protected].
Building Parking
- The building does not have its own dedicated parking.
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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 North Towers Car Park.
- The car park is located along the path leading from the Parking Level entrance, past the North Towers Halls of Residences.
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Drop Off Point
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- There is not a designated drop off point.
Site/Campus Car Park (North Towers Car Park)
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Car Park
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- The car park is located next to the North Towers Halls of Residences and Essex Business School.
- The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Essex Business School, Causeway Teaching Centre, the Tony Rich Teaching Centre, Wivenhoe Park Day Nursey, and North Tower Halls.
- 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 available.
- The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
- There is/are 2 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
- The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 250cm x 480cm.
- The Blue Badge parking bays have a marked zone to one side but not at the rear.
- The marked zone is 128cm wide.
- The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
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Charges and Restrictions
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- This car park can be used by anybody.
- Parking charges apply for all users.
- Signs are provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
- Signs are clearly presented.
- To see more information on parking policies please click here (opens new tab).
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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 step free access from this car park.
- Buildings are clearly signposted from this car park.
- There is a campus map available within the car park.
- The nearest designated bay is 105m (114yd 2ft) from the Causeway Teaching Centre main entrance.
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Comments
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- There are no payment machines for this car park.
- Users pay either by app, text or the ParkSmart website.
- Charges apply 09:30 - 16:30 Monday - Friday (not bank holidays).
- There is a taxi drop-off and pick-up point in the car park next to the North Towers (shown in photograph 7).
Outside Access (Parking Level Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located opposite Rayleigh Tower, in the North Towers area.
- This entrance gives access to the parking level.
- The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
- There is step-free access at this entrance.
- There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is not an intercom.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The width of the door opening is 102cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
Outside Access (Level 2 Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located opposite The Hex.
- This entrance gives access to level 2.
- The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
- There is step-free access at this entrance.
- There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is not an intercom.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 214cm.
Inside Access
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Access and Circulation
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- There is step-free access throughout the building.
- The type of flooring is vinyl.
- There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- There is a medium colour contrast between the walls and floor.
- The lighting levels are varied.
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Signage
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- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
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Safe Place(s)
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- There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
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Audio
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- This venue does not play background music/sound.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The system is a fixed loop.
- The hearing assistance systems are located in the following rooms:
Level 1 - TC1.6, TC1.7, TC1.9, TC1.10, TC1.11, TC1.16 and TC1.17
Level 2 - TC2.6, TC2.7, TC2.8, TC2.9, TC2.10, TC2.12, TC2.13, TC2.14, TC2.15 and TC2.16. - Level 1 has an open study area; this is shown in photographs.
Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (Circulation - Level 2)
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Ramped/Sloped Level Change 1
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- There is a ramp/slope located on level 2, leading to the seminar rooms and IT lab from the lift and level 2 entrance.
- The ramp/slope is used to access the level 2 seminar rooms and IT lab.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
- The handrail(s) is/are on the left going up.
- The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are good.
Other Floors
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Stairs
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- Stairs can be used to access other floors.
- The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are 1, 2 and parking level.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
- The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The steps have a handrail on both sides.
- Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
- Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- Handrails are easy to grip.
- Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
- There is a landing.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
- The lighting levels at the steps are varied.
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Comments
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- There is a similar additional set of stairs located towards the rear of the building (as shown in photograph 3).
Lift
- The lift is located in the centre of the building.
- The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the level 2 entrance.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are 1, 2 and parking level.
- The weight limit for the lift is 800kg.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
- There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
- Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
- The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
- The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is high.
- The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
- The clear door width is 90cm.
- The dimensions of the lift are 131cm x 138cm.
- There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
- There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
- The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
- The lift does have an audible announcer.
- The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- There is a hearing loop system.
- The lift does not have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting levels in the lift are moderate to good.
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Comments
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- There is an evacuation lift that can be used in the event of a fire (as shown in photographs 5 and 6).
Toilet with Adaptations (Level 1 - 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 on level 1, to the right as you exit the main lift.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the main 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 and written text 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 171cm x 214cm (5ft 7in x 7ft).
- The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The lighting levels are good.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
- The lateral transfer space is 104cm (3ft 5in).
- 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 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 female sanitary and general waste (with lid) disposal units.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
- There are coat hooks in the toilet at 120cm and 160cm from the floor.
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Additional Fixtures
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- There is a mirror.
- The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- The shelf has the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
- The shelf is at a height of 100cm.
- The shelf is not located where it is reachable.
- The toilet has a cistern.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
- There is a toilet roll holder.
- The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 108cm (3ft 7in).
- The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is medium.
- 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 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 high.
- The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
- There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 83cm.
- 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 85cm (2ft 9in).
- The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is medium.
Toilet with Adaptations (Level 2 - Left 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 ahead and to the right as you enter via the level 2 entrance, next to the main lift.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the level 2 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 and written text 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 twist lock.
- 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 180cm x 229cm (5ft 11in x 7ft 6in).
- The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The lighting levels are good.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
- The lateral transfer space is 70cm (2ft 4in).
- 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 the left.
- There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
- There is not a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) to the left of the toilet and wall is high.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
- There is an emergency alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
- Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
- There is a/are female sanitary and general waste (with lid) disposal units.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
- There are coat hooks in the toilet at 120cm and 160cm from the floor.
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Additional Fixtures
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- There is a mirror.
- The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- The shelf has the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
- The shelf is at a height of 100cm.
- The shelf is not located where it is reachable.
- The toilet has a cistern.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
- There is a toilet roll holder.
- The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 81cm (2ft 8in).
- The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is medium.
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
- The height of the wash basin is 72cm (2ft 4in).
- There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
- The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
- The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
- There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 81cm.
- 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 85cm (2ft 9in).
- The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is high.
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 level 2, ahead as you enter via the level 2 entrance.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 9m from the level 2 entrance.
- The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
- There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- An ambulant toilet cubicle is 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 82cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.