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Sibson Building

University of Kent, Park Wood Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT2 7PE

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include the School of Mathematics and Statistics and the Kent Business School and a cafe. There are also 3 lecture theatres; 1 on level 1 and 2 on level 2, and there are also breakout spaces and seminar spaces.

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • The building is part of the Cornwallis complex of buildings in the centre of the Canterbury Campus.
      This is about 1 mile north of Canterbury City Centre.
      The building has its entrance facing the Cornwallis Blue Badge parking, which is off Darwin Road.
    • The building shares a car park for Blue Badge holders only.
      This is located off Darwin Road, behind Cornwallis East.
      The nearest car park for other users is the Central Visitor Car Park, to the west of the Cornwallis complex and the Gulbenkian/ Colyer-Fergusson Buildings.
      This is reached using Library Road off Giles Lane.
  • By Bus View
    • There are frequent Unibus services linking the University campus with the centre of Canterbury and Canterbury East and West train stations.
      The nearest bus stops are on Giles Lane or Darwin Road.
  • By Train View
    • The nearest train station is Canterbury West, to the north of the city centre.
      This is on the line from London to Kent, including Ashford International.
      There is step-free access into the station building.
      There is step-free access to both platforms by lift.
      Staff are available to assist with portable ramps between the platform and the train.
      There are buses linking the city centre with the University campus, with stops about 5 minutes away from the station.
  • Useful Links View
  • AccessAble Related Links View

Useful Information (Sibson Building)

Useful Information (University of Kent)

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 Sibson Car Park.
    • The car park is located in front of the Sibson Building.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Site/Campus Car Park (Sibson Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located in front of the building.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Sibson Building.
    • 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 4 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 450cm x 590cm (14ft 9in x 19ft 4in).
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do 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 sloped access to the car park from the Sibson Building.
    • This car park is clearly signposted from the Sibson Building.
    • The nearest designated bay is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the SMSAS Entrance-Sibson Building.

Outside Access (SMSAS Entrance - Car Park)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the side of the building opposite the Sibson car park.
    • There is step free 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) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The width of the door opening is 95cm (3ft 1in).
  • Comments View
    • Next to the automatic doors there are heavy, manual revolving doors.

Outside Access (KBS Entrance - West Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the west side of the building.
    • There is step free 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) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The width of the door opening is 95cm (3ft 1in).
  • Comments View
    • Next to the automatic door there is a heavy, manual revolving door.

Reception (SMSAS Reception)

  • SMSAS Reception is located next to the SMSAS entrance.
  • The desk is 3m (3yd 10in) from the SMSAS entrance.
  • The reception area is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to this reception area.
  • The lighting levels in the reception area are medium.
  • The reception desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered counter.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is a bell to attract attention.
  • The bell is at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Reception (KBS Reception)

  • The KBS reception is located to the left of the KBS-West Entrance.
  • The desk is 4m (4yd 1ft) from the KBS-West Entrance.
  • The reception area is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to this reception area.
  • The lighting levels in the reception area are medium.
  • The reception desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered counter.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is a bell to attract attention.
  • The bell is at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the building via lift(s).
    • There are doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
  • Getting Around View
    • There is clear signage for building facilities/areas in the foyer/reception area.
    • There is clearly written and pictorial 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 some flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
    • This building does not play background music.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Eating and Drinking (Café)

  • Location and Access View
    • The following information is for the cafĂ©.
    • The cafĂ© is located to the right of the KBS entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the cafĂ©.
  • Service and Menus View
    • Tables cannot be booked in advance.
    • There is a counter where food and drink can be ordered, a buffet counter and table service (on request only).
    • Staff can bring food and/or drinks to tables.
    • Menu types include; handheld menus and written wall 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.
    • Plastic/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 98cm.
    • There is a moveable card machine available for payment.
    • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
  • Tables and Seating View
    • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • The majority of tables are accessible to wheelchair users.
    • The distance between the floor and the underside of the lowest dining table is 40cm.
    • The distance between the floor and the underside of the highest dining table is 74cm.
    • The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 74cm.
    • There are also coffee tables, long tables, armchairs and sofas.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs are permanently fixed.
    • Some chairs have armrests on both sides.
    • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
    • 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.

Other Floors (Main Stairs)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2, 3 and 4.
    • The stairs are located to the left as you enter the KBS entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 15m from the KBS Entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.

Other Floors (Atrium)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are ground and first.
    • The stairs are located within the main atrium area on both sides.
    • The stairs are approximately 12m from the KBS entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a set of steps on each side of the atrium leading to the first floor.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left as you enter the KBS entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are ground, 1, 2, 3 and 4.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 860kg.
  • The lift is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the KBS entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 98cm x 150cm (3ft 3in x 4ft 11in).
  • 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 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 low.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities

  • Accessible toilet facilities are located on levels 1, 2 and 3.
  • Female and male standard toilet facilities are located on level 1, 2 and 3.

Accessible Shower (Level 2)

  • Accessible shower facilities are available.
  • The accessible shower(s) surveyed is/are located to the right after you exit the lift.
  • The facilities available in the accessible shower(s) include; an adjustable shower head, handrails and a flip-down seat.
  • The height of the seat is 44cm (1ft 5in).
  • There is level access to the services from the accessible shower facilities.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Level 1)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the left as you enter the KBS entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main 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 signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens inwards (automatically).
    • The door is push pad or push button activated.
    • The push pad or push button is 100cm from floor level.
    • The door is locked by a push button or pad.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 92cm (3ft).
    • 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 good.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 155cm x 250cm (5ft 1in x 8ft 2in).
    • 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 93cm (3ft 1in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a 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 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 is fully functional.
    • 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).
    • The height of the coat hook is 119cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • 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 poor.
    • 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).
    • 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 good.
    • 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 100cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is good.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Level 2)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the left as you exit the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet, via lift.
    • 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 good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is push pad or push button activated.
    • The push pad or push button is 80cm from floor level.
    • The door is locked by a push button or pad.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 92cm (3ft).
    • 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 good.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 190cm x 225cm (6ft 3in x 7ft 5in).
    • 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 78cm (2ft 7in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by 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 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 is fully functional.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are general waste (with lid) 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.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • 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 poor.
    • 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).
    • 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 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 100cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is good.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Level 3)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the right as you exit the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet, via lift.
    • 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 good.
    • The door opens outwards (automatically).
    • The door is push pad or push button activated.
    • The push pad or push button is 80cm from floor level.
    • The door is locked by a push button or pad.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 91cm (2ft 12in).
    • 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.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 190cm x 230cm (6ft 3in x 7ft 7in).
    • 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a 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 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 is fully functional.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary and general waste (with lid) 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.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • 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 poor.
    • 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).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • 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 80cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is good.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located to the left as you enter the KBS entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 12m from the main entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • It was not possible to access the female toilet.
    • 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 81cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • Photographs 3 and 4 show the male ambulant cubicle.