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Tony Rich Teaching Centre

University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex, CO4 3SQ

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Access Guide

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Summary

  • Building View
    • Services / Facilities within the building include;
      Level 1 - study space, seminar and teaching rooms.
      Level 2 - Theatre Lab, seminar and teaching rooms.
  • Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities View
    • 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)

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does not have its own dedicated parking.
  • Site/Campus Car Parks View
    • 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.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Site/Campus Car Park (North Towers Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • 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.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • 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.
  • Comments View
    • 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)

  • Entrance View
    • 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)

  • Entrance View
    • 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

  • Access and Circulation View
    • 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.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
  • Safe Place(s) View
    • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
  • Audio View
    • 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)

  • Ramped/Sloped Level Change 1 View
    • 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

  • Stairs View
    • 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.
  • Comments View
    • 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.
  • Comments View
    • 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.
  • Location and Access View
    • 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.
  • Toilet Features View
    • 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.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • 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.
  • Location and Access View
    • 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.
  • Toilet Features View
    • 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.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • 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.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • 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.