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Ele House

College Lane Campus, University of Hertfordshire, College Lane, Hatfield, AL10 9AB

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Access Guide

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Summary

  • Building View
    • Services / Facilities within the building include; a bar/restaurant and a games room.
  • Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities View
    • Accessible toilet facilities are located on the ground floor of Ele House in the bar/restaurant area.
    • Female standard toilet facilities are located on the ground floor of Ele House in the bar/restaurant area.
    • Male standard toilet facilities are located on the ground floor of Ele House in the bar/restaurant area.

Opening Times

  • Monday 12:00 - 23:00.
  • Tuesday 12:00 - 00:00.
  • Wednesday 12:00 - 00:00.
  • Thursday 12:00 - 00:30.
  • Friday 12:00 - 00:30.
  • Saturday 16:00 - 23:00.
  • Sunday 16:00 - 23:00.

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • College Lane Campus is 2 miles to the southwest of the Hatfield town centre.
      It can be accessed from the west via the A1(M) and the south via the M25 and A1(M).
      From the St Albans city centre, head east on Victoria Street for 0.5 miles and turn left onto the B691.
      Then proceed straight onto the A1057 and continue along this road for another 3.5 miles.
      Then at the roundabout take the second exit and take the second exit again at the Comet Roundabout, onto Cavendish Way.
      After a short distance take the second exit at the next roundabout and proceed for 0.5 miles along Bishops Rise.
      Then take the third exit at the final roundabout and you will have entered the campus grounds.
      From the Welwyn Garden City centre, proceed south along Parkway for 0.8 miles. Then at the roundabout take the second exit onto the A6129 and continue on the A6129 by taking the first exit at the next roundabout. Then proceed onto the A1(M), travelling southwards and stay on the A1(M) for 2.2 miles. Take the number three exit onto the Roehyde Interchange, and at this roundabout take the first exit onto Roehyde Way (A1001). After a short distance turn left onto College Lane and you will have entered the campus grounds.
    • Daily visitors may park for up to 2 hours free parking in the Visitors’ car park that is located at the end of the road that is to the left as you enter the campus grounds and goes past the Reception building.
      For longer stays in this car park, you will need to pay on the day, or you can register with Hozah for a discounted cost.
    • For more information on parking at the University of Hertfordshire please click here (opens new tab).
  • By Bus View
    • There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the campus.
    • There are several bus stops that surround the College Lane Campus.
      These are located on College Lane and Roberts Way.
      The bus services at these stops include the 341, 602, 610 and 612 Dragonfly, 614 and 644 The Comet, 635, 641, 653 Tigermoth and Shuttle (South Hatfield).
      The providers of these buses are Unobus and Sullivan buses.
    • For more information on a bus provider please click here (opens new tab).
  • By Train View
  • Useful Links View

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does not have its own dedicated parking.

Site/Campus Car Park (Car Park M - Multi Storey)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located on Broad Way.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are The Student Forum.
    • The car park type is multi storey.
    • The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
    • The maximum height is 210cm (6ft 11in).
    • 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 8 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 249cm x 488cm.
    • The Blue Badge parking bays have a marked zone to both sides and rear.
    • The marked zone is 130cm 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 not clearly signposted from this car park.
    • There is not a campus map available within the car park.

Lift (Car Park M - Multi Storey)

  • The lift is located in the front left corner of the car park.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 1m (3ft 3in) from the Car Park M - Multi Storey main 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 0, 1 and 2.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 600kg.
  • There are manual, heavy, single doors to access the lift lobby from the first floor upwards.
  • 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 visual contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is high.
  • The visual contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is low.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 118cm x 133cm (3ft 10in x 4ft 4in).
  • 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 not 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 not 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.

Other Floors (Car Park M - Multi Storey)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located at the front and the rear of the car park.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There are manual, heavy, single doors to enter and exit the stairwell on the first floor.
    • Photograph 7 shows the manual door on the first floor.
      Photographs 8 -12 show the rear staircase.
      There is a manual, heavy single door on all floors on the rear staircase.
    • The floors which are accessible by the stairs are 0, 1 and 2.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 15cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not 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 moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • The front stairs are clearly marked.
    • The rear stairs are not clearly marked.

Outside Access

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • This entrance gives access to a bar and the games room.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Elephant House'.
    • 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/do 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 137cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 121cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Comments View
    • There is as key card facility to access this building out of hours, the key card reader is at a height of 120cm.

Entrance (The Forum to Ele House)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located between The Forum and Ele House.
    • This entrance gives access to the games room and the bar area.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Ele House'.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There are no doors at this entrance.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 340cm.
  • Comments View
    • The entrance from The Forum is used in summer only.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is not step-free access throughout the building .
    • There is stepped access to There is a step to access a raised area in both the bar/restaurant and games room. The step is 13cm high.
  • Circulation View
    • There are no doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • There are corridors/walkways with a surface width of less than 120cm (excluding any permanent obstructions over a small distance).
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet.
    • There is flooring in corridors/walkways which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • There is high visual contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
  • Safe Place(s) View
    • There is a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
    • An office behind the bar can be used as a safe place.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does play background music in communal areas.
    • Music is played all the time.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system in the communal areas of the building.

Opening Times (Bar and Kitchen)

Eating and Drinking (Bar and Kitchen)

  • Location and Access View
    • The following information is for the restaurant/bar.
    • The restaurant/bar is located in the left-hand side of Ele House.
    • There is step-free access to the restaurant/bar.
  • Service and Menus View
    • Tables cannot be booked in advance.
    • There is a bar where food and drink can be ordered.
    • Staff can bring food and/or drinks to tables.
    • Menu types include; menu boards and handheld menus.
    • Menus are clearly written.
    • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
    • Staff can read menus to customers if requested.
    • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
    • Takeaway cups are available.
    • Adapted cups are not available.
    • Adapted cutlery is not available.
    • Drinking straws are available.
    • This area does play background music.
    • Background music is played at all times.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system .
  • Service Counter(s) View
    • The height of the counter is 112cm.
    • The height of the lowered section at the counter is 82cm.
    • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section of the counter.
    • There is a moveable card machine available for payment.
    • The type of flooring in this area is stone.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • Lighting levels can be adjusted by a member of staff upon request.
    • Lighting levels depend upon the event and circumstances.
  • Tables and Seating View
    • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • The majority of tables are accessible to wheelchair users.
    • The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 70cm.
    • The surface height of the lowest table is 48cm.
    • The surface height of the highest table is 110cm.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs have armrests on both sides.
    • There are also coffee tables, high tables, bench seats and high stools.
    • The type of flooring in this area is carpet and laminate.
    • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • Lighting levels may be lower in the evening.

Toilet with Adaptations (Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the right of the bar/restaurant.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from bar staff.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The visual contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The visual contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 195cm x 285cm (6ft 5in x 9ft 4in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to 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 150cm (4ft 11in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a female 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 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 medium.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • 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 backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat visual contrast is low.
    • 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 102cm (3ft 4in).
    • 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 70cm (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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 102cm.
    • 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 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is high.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The male toilet is located near to the bar in Ele House.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 20m from the entrance.
    • The visual contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
    • There is a/are horizontal wall mounted rail(s) on the left as you face the toilet.
    • There is a/are vertical wall mounted rail(s) on the left as you face the toilet.
    • The information above relates to the male toilet. There is a different configuration of rails in the female toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 78cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The female toilet is located near to the bar in Ele House.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 20m from the entrance.
    • The visual contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
    • There is a/are horizontal wall mounted rail(s) on the right as you face the toilet.
    • There is a/are vertical wall mounted rail(s) on the right as you face the toilet.
    • The information above relates to the female toilet. There is a different configuration of rails in the male toilet.
    • The height of the lowered wash basin is 78cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are good.
    • Photographs 1-7 show the male toilet, of which photographs 6 and 7 show the ambulant cubicle.
      Photographs 8 - 13 show the female toilet, of which photographs 12 and 13 show the ambulant cubicle.