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Babbage Building

University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 8AA

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Access Guide

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Summary

  • Service View
    • Technology and Information Services is located at the rear of the building on level 3 in room 316.
  • Building View
  • Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities View
    • Accessible toilet facilities are located at the rear of the building on all levels.
    • Female standard toilet facilities are located on all levels, to the right after exiting the lift.
    • Male standard toilet facilities are located on all levels, at the rear of the building.

Opening Times

  • Monday 09:00 - 22:00.
  • Tuesday 09:00 - 22:00.
  • Wednesday 09:00 - 22:00.
  • Thursday 09:00 - 22:00.
  • Friday 09:00 - 22:00.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • From the end of the M5 take the Devon Expressway (A38). After 60km take the A374 towards the city centre and follow for 5km across three roundabouts to Charles Cross roundabout. Take the third exit onto Charles Street, turn left onto Glanville Street and take the first turning on the right to James Street in the centre of the University.
    • All parking on the University campus is permit parking and must be arranged in advance. The main section of visitor parking is to the left off James Street.
  • By Bus View
    • Plymouth Citybus services to and from all outlying areas including Devonport, Plympton and Saltash pass the University site.
  • By Train View
    • GWR provides services at Cornwall, Exeter, Bristol and London with links to the rest of the country.
  • Useful Links View

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does not have its own dedicated parking.

Site/Campus Car Park (Babbage Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located off James Street.
    • 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 and signposted.
    • There is/are 4 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 220cm x 487cm.
    • The Blue Badge parking bays have a marked zone to one side but not at the rear.
    • The marked zone is 130cm wide.
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by visitors and permit holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • Signs are provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
    • Signs are clearly presented.
  • 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.
    • The nearest designated bay is 27m from the Babbage Building Main Entrance.

Approach (All Entrances)

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is tarmac.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope on the approach.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent, has a slight gradient and has no handrails.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 134cm (4ft 5in).

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off of James Street.
    • This entrance gives access to level 1.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Babbage Building'.
    • There is stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • 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 215cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There is a ramp with a very easy incline.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • 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 both sides of the ramp.
    • The ramp/slope does not bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is/are 13 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the step(s).
    • 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 second lower handrail.

Outside Access (Accessible Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building, off of James Street.
    • This entrance gives access to level 0.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Babbage Building'.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is 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 an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 115cm .
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 120cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located to the left as you face the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.

Reception (Technology and Information Services Reception)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located on level 3, at the rear of the building in room 316.
    • The reception point is approximately 42m (45yd 2ft) from the lift.
    • Clear signage for the reception area/desk is visible from the lift.
    • There is step-free access to the reception point.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
    • There are no windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors at/behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
    • The height of the reception counter is 96cm .
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is not a lowered section of the counter.
    • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a bell to attract attention.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
    • There is no wayfinding signage available at/close to the reception.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is carpet.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
    • Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
    • The seats do not have armrests.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the building .
  • Circulation View
    • There are no doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet .
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in corridors/walkways.
    • There is good colour 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 varied.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • Floor plans/maps are available.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
    • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • 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 play background music in communal areas.
    • Music is played in the Writing Café.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system in the communal areas of the building.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located immediately beyond the accessible entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 12m from the accessible entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There are manual, heavy, double doors to enter and exit the stairwell on all floors.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4.
    • 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 provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are good.
  • Other Information View
    • There are identical staircases located at the rear and to the side of the building (photograph 3).

Lift

  • The lift is located on level 0, beyond the accessible entrance, to the left.
  • Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 13m (14yd 8in) from the accessible 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, 2, 3 and 4.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 850kg.
  • 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 poor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
  • The clear door width is 85cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 139cm x 145cm.
  • 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 not 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 low to moderate.

Lecture Theatre(s) (Lecture Theatre 005)

  • Signage for the lecture theatre(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible on or near the door.
  • The corridor outside the lecture theatre(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • There is step free access into the lecture theatre(s) from the corridor.
  • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the lecture theatre(s).
  • The door(s) for the lecture theatre(s) is/are not push pad activated.
  • There are no designated spaces for wheelchair users within the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is space for an assistance dog.
  • There is not step free access to the speaker's area at the front of the lecture theatre(s).
  • There are 13 medium steps leading from the lecture theatre entrance to the speaker's area.
  • The height of the lectern is 94cm.
  • The lectern is not height adjustable.
  • There is staggered seating within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The steps to the staggered seating do not have handrails.
  • There is a hearing assistance system for the lecture theatre(s).
  • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested on 10/03/2020.
  • The hearing loop was working at the time of testing.
  • There is a visual fire alarm beacon in the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is fixed furniture within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) is 70cm.
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There are no chairs with armrests on both sides within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The room does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • Floor coverings in the lecture theatre(s) are even with no trip hazards.
  • Lecture Theatre 006 is located opposite this lecture theatre. It is similar, except the seating have armrests on both sides (photographs 7 & 8).

Eating and Drinking (Writing Cafe)

  • Location and Access View
    • The following information is for the café.
    • The café is located on level 4, to the right after exiting the lift.
    • There is step-free access to the café.
    • For access there are double manual doors which are permanently held open.
    • For the internal entrances to the Writing Café, see photograph 4.
  • Service and Menus View
    • Tables cannot be booked in advance.
    • There is a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
    • Staff can bring food and/or drinks to tables.
    • Menu types include; 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 84cm.
  • 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 60cm.
    • The surface height of the lowest table is 45cm.
    • Some tables are permanently fixed.
    • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
    • Some chairs have armrests on both sides.
    • There are also coffee tables.
    • The type of flooring in this area is carpet.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Level 4)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on level 4, at the rear of the building.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 23m (25yd 6in) from the 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 signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 87cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 160cm x 240cm.
    • 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 85cm.
    • 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 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 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 and general waste (with no 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 and a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 49cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • 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 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
    • 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 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 103cm.
    • 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 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is poor.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Level 0)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on level 0, at the rear of the building.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the 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 signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens by sliding.
    • The door is light.
    • The door is locked by a hook.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 72cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 152cm x 176cm.
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The height of the light switch/pull cord is 85cm from floor level.
    • The lighting levels are low to moderate.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 80cm.
    • 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 poor.
    • 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 poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is not an emergency alarm.
    • 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 no lid) disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The toilet has a backrest and a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • 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 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 76cm (2ft 6in).
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the right hand side of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • The wash basin tap type is twist turn 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 103cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 108cm (3ft 7in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is poor.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located on level 4 at the rear of the building.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 22m from the lift.
    • 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 not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 83cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.