Skip to main content
The new name for DisabledGo

Nancy Astor Building

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

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Summary

  • Building View
    • Services / Facilities within the building include; Student Advice (Student Funding Unit), Reservoir Café, UPSU Sports Centre.
  • Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities View
    • Accessible toilet facilities are located on the ground floor, to the right after the main entrance.
    • Female standard toilet facilities are located on the ground floor, to the right after the main entrance and on floors 1, 2, 3 and 4, to the left after exiting the lift.
    • Male standard toilet facilities are located on the ground floor, to the right after the main entrance and on floors 1, 2, 3 and 4, to the left after exiting the lift.

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:00 - 17:30.
  • Tuesday 08:00 - 17:30.
  • Wednesday 08:00 - 17:30.
  • Thursday 08:00 - 17:30.
  • Friday 08:00 - 17:30.
  • 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 have its own dedicated parking.
  • Building Car Park View
    • The car park can be used by permit holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • The car park is located off Endsleigh Place.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are not available.
  • 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 Babbage Car Park.
    • The car park is located off James Street.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Site/Campus Car Park (Babbage Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located off James Street.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Babbage and Brunel 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 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 both sides but not at the rear.
    • The marked zone is 125cm wide.
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by Blue Badge holders 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 (29yd 1ft) from the Babbage Building Main Entrance.

Approach (Main Entrance)

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is stone/concrete tiles.
    • The approach surface is uneven in places.
  • 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.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building, off Endsleigh Place.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Nancy Astor'.
    • 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/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 (towards you).
    • There is a push pad/button to enter and exit the main automatic doors.
    • The entry push pad or push button is 100cm from floor level.
    • The exit push pad or push button is 110cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
    • The width of the door opening is 97cm.
    • 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 in front of 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.

Approach (Reservoir Café)

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is stone/concrete tiles.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope on the approach.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent, has a slight gradient and has handrails on both sides.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 132cm (4ft 4in).
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a/are step(s) on the approach.
    • There is/are 10+ clearly marked step(s), with handrails 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.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The step(s) has/have tactile paving at the top and bottom.

Outside Access (Reservoir Café Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located near Drake's Place.
    • This entrance gives access to Reservoir Café.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Reservoir Café'.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is 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 (away from you).
    • There is a push pad/button to enter the main automatic doors.
    • The entry push pad or push button is 90cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
    • The width of the door opening is 80cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.

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 laminate.
    • There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in corridors/walkways.
    • There is high 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 not play background music in communal areas.
    • 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 beyond the main entrance, to the left of the lift.
    • The stairs are approximately 10m from the main entrance.
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 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 not 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 moderate to good.

Lift

  • The lift is located beyond the main entrance.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the 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, 2, 3 and 4.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 630kg.
  • 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 medium.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
  • The clear door width is 107cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 197cm x 160cm.
  • 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 good.

Support and Advice (Student Funding Unit)

  • The Student Funding Unit offers advice and support to students needing assistance or guidance with meeting the costs of their education. The Student Gateway, which operates from the same office offers practical guidance and signposting to any services a student may need.
  • The office is based on the ground floor of the Nancy Astor Building on the left as you enter the Accessible Entrance. Appropriate places can be arranged for discussions.

Eating and Drinking (Reservoir Café)

  • Location and Access View
    • The following information is for the café.
    • The café is located on the ground floor near Drake's Place.
    • There is step-free access to the café.
  • 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; menu boards.
    • 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 84cm.
    • There is a moveable card machine available for payment.
    • The type of flooring in this area is tiles.
  • Tables and Seating View
    • There is not ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • There are some tables which are accessible to wheelchair users.
    • The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 74cm.
    • The surface height of the lowest table is 92cm.
    • Some tables are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs have armrests on both sides.
    • There are also high tables.
    • The type of flooring in this area is carpet.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • Lighting levels can be adjusted by a member of staff upon request.
    • Lighting levels may be lower in the evening.

Toilet with Adaptations (Level 0)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the right after the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the accessible 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 high.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is light.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 87cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 154cm x 217cm.
    • 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 82cm.
    • 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 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 is fully functional.
    • 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 not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • 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 97cm (3ft 2in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is high.
    • 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 88cm.
    • 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 86cm (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 female and male toilets are located to the right after the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 9m from the main entrance.
    • The colour 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 not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 80cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The shared toilet is located to the left after exiting the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 3m from the lift.
    • The colour 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 not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 80cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are good.