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COVID-19 Information (University of Essex)

• For more information about the measures in place for Covid-19 please click here (new tab) .

You are on Introduction. Skip to the next section.

Introduction

• Services / facilities within the building include :
  Ground Floor: Southend Central Library, shop, University of Essex teaching spaces, lecture theatre, gallery, Forum Cafe (Nosh & El Mexicana), changing place
  Level 1: Southend Central Library
  Level 2: University of Essex teaching spaces, the Learning Hub, Student Administration Hub, Students' Union offices
  Level 3: South Essex College offices.
• Related link The Learning Hub Student Guide.
• Https://www.essex.ac.uk/student/advice-and-support/ssh-southend
• Related link Eating at The Forum.
• Https://www.theforumsouthend.co.uk/about/where-to-eat.asp

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• Comments View
  • The Forum is a shared facility with the university, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council and South Essex College.
  • Some areas, such as the library, gallery and cafe are public spaces.
  • University of Essex spaces, such as the lecture theatres and teaching rooms are accessed by electronic key card.
  • There is 24/7 student access to The Learning Hub by key card.

You are on Opening Times. Skip to the next section.

Opening Times

• Monday 08:00 - 22:00.
• Tuesday 08:00 - 22:00.
• Wednesday 08:00 - 22:00.
• Thursday 08:00 - 22:00.
• Friday 08:00 - 22:00.
• Saturday 08:00 - 18:00.
• Sunday 11:00 - 17:00.

You are on Location. Skip to the next section.

Location

• The venue is situated within the centre of the town.
• This venue is situated in Southend-on-Sea.
• The venue is in a pedestrian area.
• The nearest National Rail station is Southend Central.
• There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.

You are on Parking. Skip to the next section.

Parking

• The venue does not have its own car park.
• There is a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
• The name of the car park is South Essex College Car Park.
• The car park is located off Elmer Approach.
• On street marked Blue Badge bays are not available.
• Clearly signed and / or standard marked parking bays are not available.
• There is not a designated drop off point.

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• Comments View
  • There are other public car parks nearby and some on-street pay and display parking in nearby streets.

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

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

• This information is for the entrance located off the pedestrian area off Elmer Approach.
• There is not level access into the venue.
• The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
• The door(s) is / are double.
• The width of the door opening is 183cm (6ft).

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• Second set of doors View
  • There is a second set of doors.
  • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The width of the door opening is 183cm (6ft).
• Comments View
  • The main doors open by sliding.
  • Security barriers after the second set of doors are 100cm wide.
  • There is an additional accessible entrance to the left of the main sliding doors.
  • This door is 105cm wide and opens automatically towards you.
  • It is operated by staff/student key card.

You are on Level Change (Main Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Level Change (Main Entrance)

• There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
• The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
• The ramp/slope is easy.
• The ramp/slope is permanent.
• There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
• The ramp does not have handrails.

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

Outside Access (Cafe Direct Entrance)

• This information is for the entrance located to the front left of the building.
• There is not level access into the venue.
• The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).

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• Second set of doors View
  • The automatic doors are push pad activated.
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The width of the door opening is 142cm (4ft 8in).
• Comments View
  • There is a push pad available at this entrance.
  • This is for entering the building.
  • The push pad is 76cm in height.
  • The doors are automatically operated by the sensor when exiting the building.
  • The cafe can also be entered directly from the library foyer (picture 3).
  • There are no doors at this entrance.

You are on Level Change (Cafe Direct Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Level Change (Cafe Direct Entrance)

• There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
• The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
• The ramp/slope is easy.
• The ramp/slope is permanent.
• There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
• The ramp does not have handrails.

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

Reception (Library)

• The desk/counter is 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
• There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
• The lighting levels are medium.
• The desk/counter is high (110cm+).
• The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
• The desk/counter is staffed.
• There is a hearing assistance system.
• The type of system is a fixed loop.
• Staff are trained to use the system.

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• Comments View
  • The fixed loop system is clearly signed.
  • There are self-service borrowing and return terminals near to the main entrance.

You are on Inside Access. Skip to the next section.

Inside Access

• There is level access to the service(s).
• There is a hearing assistance system.
• The system is a fixed loop.
• Staff are trained to use the system.
• This venue does not play background music.
• The lighting levels are bright.
• Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.

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• Comments View
  • Throughout the building, doors are generally held open or automatically operated by push pad.
  • Within the ground floor foyer area there is a shop selling stationery and gift items.
  • There is also a gallery space.
  • There are fixed hearing loops in the lecture theatre and teaching rooms.
  • There are wheelchairs available for use.
  • These are stored near the reception area and are shown in photograph 10.

You are on Other Floors (Central Stairs). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (Central Stairs)

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• Steps View
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1-2-3.
  • There are 15+ steps between floors.
  • The lighting levels are bright.
  • The steps are not clearly marked.
  • The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
  • There is a landing.
• Comments View
  • These stairs are located in the central atrium, to the right of the library reception.
  • In low lighting, there are LED lights that can be switched on to illuminate the steps.

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

Lift (Main Lifts)

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located opposite the reception desk.
• The lift is a standard lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1-2-3.
• The lift is 12m (13yd 4in) from the main entrance.
• Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
• The clear door width is 110cm (3ft 7in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 140cm x 190cm (4ft 7in x 6ft 3in).
• There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
• The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
• The lift does have an audible announcer.
• The lift does have Braille markings.
• The lift does have tactile markings.
• The controls for the lift are within 120cm from the floor.
• The lighting level in the lift is medium.

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• Comments View
  • Note that these lifts do not serve the lecture theatre.

You are on Lift (Lecture Theatre and Evacuation). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Lecture Theatre and Evacuation)

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located at the far rear left of the building.
• The lift is a standard lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are -1-G-1-2-3.
• The lift is 80m (87yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
• The clear door width is 110cm (3ft 7in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 118cm x 220cm (3ft 10in x 7ft 3in).
• There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
• The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
• The lift does have an audible announcer.
• The lift does have Braille markings.
• The lift does have tactile markings.
• The controls for the lift are within 120cm from the floor.
• The lighting level in the lift is medium.

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• Comments View
  • This lift is in a secure area.
  • A university staff/ student key card is required for access.

You are on Library (Public Library). Skip to the next section.

Library (Public Library)

• This library does not have a regular supply of books in Braille.
• This library does have a regular supply of books in large print.
• This library does have a regular supply of books in audio format.
• There is an ordering service.
• The library does not have computers with accessible software.
• Auxiliary aids are available for computer users.
• A height adjustable table and height adjustable chair is / are available.
• Equipment available for people with a visual impairment includes hand held magnifier.

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• Comments View
  • The library collections are spread over the ground and first floor of the building.
  • There is a children's library on the ground floor, to the right of the foyer.

You are on Lecture Theatre TF.0.11. Skip to the next section.

Lecture Theatre TF.0.11

• This tiered lecture theatre is part of the University but is also available to hire by outside groups.
• There is level access to the upper level from the ground floor.
• There is level access to the the front of the lower level from level -1 by lift.
• There is space for wheelchair users in the front row where there are moveable desks, and in the rear row.
• The steps to the tiered seating are deep and clearly marked, without handrails.
• Lighting levels are adjustable.

You are on Lecture Rooms - Ground Floor TF.0.35/0.34. Skip to the next section.

Lecture Rooms - Ground Floor TF.0.35/0.34

• There are two identical lecture rooms on the ground floor, to the right of reception.
• The rooms have a level floor.
• No chairs are fixed.
• All chairs have armrests.

You are on Lecture Rooms Level 2 TF.2.13/14/15. Skip to the next section.

Lecture Rooms Level 2 TF.2.13/14/15

• The furniture can be arranged as required in all rooms.
• Room 13 has desks.
• Rooms 14 and 15 have chairs with attached writing surfaces.

You are on Reception (Student Services Hub). Skip to the next section.

Reception (Student Services Hub)

• The desk/counter is 8m (8yd 2ft) from the lift on level 2.
• There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
• Level access to the desk/counter is via lift.
• The lighting levels are medium.
• The desk/counter is high (110cm+).
• The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
• The desk/counter is staffed.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.

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• Comments View
  • There are quiet rooms opposite the reception desk, which can be used for speaking to customers with hearing difficulties.

You are on Counter (Income Office Level 2). Skip to the next section.

Counter (Income Office Level 2)

• The counter is 12m (13yd 4in) from the lift.
• There is level access to the counter from the entrance.
• There is a bell to attract attention.
• The bell is at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• There is not sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
• The height of the counter is 75cm (2ft 6in).
• The height of the counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
• There is not a lowered section.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Lighting levels are medium.

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• Comments View
  • Lighting levels can be bright in the afternoon.
  • To mitigate this, a blind has been installed.
  • This is shown in photograph 2.

You are on Counter (Info Point - Level 2). Skip to the next section.

Counter (Info Point - Level 2)

• The counter is 12m (13yd 4in) from the lift.
• There is level access to the counter from the entrance.
• There is a bell to attract attention.
• The bell is at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
• The height of the counter is high (110cm+).
• There is a lowered section.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Lighting levels are bright.

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• Comments View
  • This counter is located within the Learning Hub, to the right on leaving the lift on level 2.
  • There are quiet rooms behind the desk, which can be used for speaking to customers with hearing difficulties.

You are on Learning Hub. Skip to the next section.

Learning Hub

• The learning hub is a study area for group and individual working.
• There are a variety of meeting areas, with computers, large screens and interactive whiteboards.
• Seating is flexible.
• Some chairs have armrests.

You are on Eating and Drinking (The Forum Café - Nosh & El Mexicana). Skip to the next section.

Eating and Drinking (The Forum Café - Nosh & El Mexicana)

• The following information is for the cafe.
• Full table service is not available.
• Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
• Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
• There is not a lowered section at the counter.
• No tables are permanently fixed.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• Some chairs have armrests.
• The nearest table is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the cafe direct entrance.
• The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 73cm (2ft 5in).
• There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
• Plastic / takeaway cutlery is available.
• Drinking straws are available.
• Menus are wall only.
• Menus are not available in Braille.
• Menus are not available in large print.
• Picture menus are not available.
• Menus are clearly written.
• Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
• The type of food served here is drinks, sandwiches, pastries, Mexican food.

You are on Changing Places. Skip to the next section.

Changing Places

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• Location and access View
  • The facility is located on the ground floor, at the far right of the building from reception.
  • The facility is approximately 50m (54yd 2ft) from the main entrance, 33m from reception.
  • There is level access to the facility.
• Dimensions and features View
  • You do need a key for the facility.
  • It is a radar key.
  • The key can be obtained from reception.
  • The dimensions of the facility are 300cm x 400cm (9ft 10in x 13ft 1in).
  • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
  • The facility changing bench is wall mounted.
  • The length of the facility changing bench is 180cm (5ft 11in).
  • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
  • The overhead hoist covers all areas in cubicle.
  • The sling is attached to the hoist by hook and loop.
  • The facility toilet is peninsular.
  • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 75cm (2ft 6in).
  • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 180cm (5ft 11in).
  • Wall mounted grab rails are available.
  • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
  • Drop down rails are provided.
  • As you face the toilet the drop down rail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • The type of wash basin is adjustable.
  • Wall mounted grab rails are available at the wash basin.
  • As you face the wash basin, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
  • Disposal facilities are available.
  • A privacy screen is available.
  • Wide tear off paper roll is available.
  • The facility has a non slip floor.
  • A functioning emergency alarm is available.
• Accessible Shower View
  • Accessible shower facilities are available.
  • The facilities available in the accessible shower are an adjustable shower head.
• Comments View
  • The changing bench is usually folded up against the wall and is pulled flat manually.
  • The height is adjusted electronically.
  • There are operating instructions on the wall.
  • There is an adjustable height shower handset which can be used at the changing bench.
  • A wheeled shower/ toilet chair is also available.
  • Users must provide their own sling for the hoist.

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

Accessible Toilet (Ground Floor)

• There is an/are accessible toilet(s) within this venue designated for public use.

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• Location and Access View
  • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 22m (24yd 2in) from the main entrance.
  • This accessible toilet is located to the right after reception.
  • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
• Features and Dimensions View
  • This is a unisex toilet.
  • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The door is locked by a lever twist.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The door is heavy.
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 175cm x 210cm (5ft 9in x 6ft 11in).
  • Floor manoeuvring space is clear in the accessible toilet.
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
  • The lateral transfer space is 96cm (3ft 2in).
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
  • The tap type is lever.
  • There is a mixer tap.
  • There is an emergency pull cord alarm in the cubicle.
  • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
  • Disposal facilities are not available in the cubicle.
  • There is a/are coat hook(s).
• Position of Fixtures View
  • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
  • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
  • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
  • There is a mirror.
  • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
  • There is a hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • 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).
  • There is a wash basin.
  • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
• Colour Contrast and Lighting View
  • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
  • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
  • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
  • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
  • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • The lighting levels are bright.
• Comments View
  • There are at least 2 similar accessible toilets on each floor G-1-2-3.
  • They are located at each end of the building.
  • There are toilets with left and right hand transfer on each of these floors.
  • There is a toilet roll on the drop down rail.
  • There is also one accessible toilet on level -1.

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

Standard Toilet(s)

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• Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
  • Standard toilets are available.
• Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
  • The female toilets are located to the right of the seating area, to the right after reception.
  • The female toilets are 33m (36yd 3in) from the main entrance.
  • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet.
  • Lighting levels are bright.
• Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
  • The male toilets are located on the ground floor to the right of the building.
  • The male toilets are 22m (24yd 2in) from the main entrance.
  • Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet.
• Baby Change Facilities View
  • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
  • Baby change facilities are located in the baby care room on the ground floor near to the changing place.
  • The height of the baby change table once extended is 75cm (2ft 6in).
  • Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.
• Comments View
  • There are additional male toilets on the ground floor, next to the changing place.
  • There are further male and female standard toilets in several locations on each floor of the building.
  • There are ambulant cubicles with wall mounted grab rails within the standard toilet areas.
  • There is a toilet with the baby care room.
  • There are further baby change benches within large cubicles in the standard ground floor toilets.

You are on Additional Info. Skip to the next section.

Additional Info

• Documents can be requested in Braille.
• Documents can be requested in large print.
• A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not generally on duty.
• This service can be requested.
• Staff are Text Relay aware.

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• Comments View
  • Staff may receive disability awareness training.