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The Students' Union - Main Building

Cambridge Road, Portsmouth, Hants, PO1 2EF

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Access Guide

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Introduction

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • Take the M275 into Portsmouth. From the end of the M275, follow signs for 'Historic Waterfront/Seafront'. Cross three roundabouts to the traffic lights by Unicorn Gate (entrance to the naval dockyard). These are the traffic lights at the top of the Guildhall Campus map (see link to Maps and Directions Page below).
    • There is a car park next to Gun House, for permit holders only. Visitors can apply for a permit to park here in advance if required.
  • By Bus View
    • Bus routes 19, The Star 7, and the coach 700 Coastliner all stop on Cambridge Road, outside the Students' Union. There is also a University bus, linking the Langstone campus with the Guildhall Campus.
  • By Train View
    • Portsmouth and Southsea station is located just to the north of the Guildhall Campus, approximately half a mile from this building. From the station entrance, turn left and pass under the railway lines. Cross Isambard Brunel Road, pass through the gap in the building and then cross Guildhall Square. Continue along Guildhall Walk until it meets Winston Churchill Avenue, then turn right. Cross King Richard I Road and turn left. This road becomes Hampshire Terrace. Follow this until it meets Wiltshire Street, then turn right. Cross St Michael's Road, and the building will be in front of you. Portsmouth and Southsea is served by trains from London Waterloo and Victoria, as well as South Wales, Bristol and stations along the South Coast.
  • Useful Links View

Useful Information

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 within approximately 200m.
    • The name of the car park is Students' Union Gun House Car Park.
    • The car park is located to the rear of Gun House.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
  • On Street Parking View
    • Clearly signed and/or standard marked parking bays are available.
    • The on street standard parking bay(s) is/are located on Cambridge Road.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Site/Campus Car Park (Students' Union - Gun House)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located off Hampshire Terrace.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Students' Union - Gun House and the Students' Union Main 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 2 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 250cm x 450cm (8ft 2in x 14ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do vary in size.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by 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 sloped access to the car park from the Hampshire Terrace.
    • This car park is clearly signposted from the Hampshire Terrace.
    • The nearest designated bay is 2m (2yd 7in) from the Students' Union - Gun House staff entrance.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off Cambridge Road.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 174cm (5ft 9in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 200cm (6ft 7in).

Outside Access (Rear Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off St Michael's Road.
    • 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 single.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 120cm (3ft 11in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 186cm (6ft 1in).
  • Comments View
    • There is an alternate entrance to the first door which has a width of 90cm.

Entrance (The Waterhole Bar)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the right from the main entrance.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are double (with one leaf locked).
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 94cm (3ft 1in).

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the majority of the building, via lift.
    • There is/are 1 clearly marked step(s), with no handrails, for access to Pure FM Studios 1 and 2.
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • There are separate steps to each studio, shown in the photographs.
    • There are no doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
  • Getting Around View
    • There is not clear signage for building facilities/areas in the foyer/reception area.
    • There is clearly written 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 the majority of corridors.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
    • This building does not play background music.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Counter (Students' Union Shop)

  • The counter is 4m (4yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the counter from the entrance.
  • 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.
  • Lighting levels are good.

Opening Times (Students' Union Shop)

  • Monday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Thursday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Friday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Getting Around (The Water Hole Bar)

  • Access View
    • There is/are 1 clearly marked step(s), with no handrails, for access to main seating and bar area.
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • There is a slight ramp, with handrails on both sides, for access to main seating and bar area.
    • The width of the ramp is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • The ramp or slope does bypass the step(s).
    • The step and the two ramps to access the main seating and bar area of the Water Hole can be seen in the photographs.
    • There is/are 1 clearly marked step(s), with no handrails, for access to additional seating.
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • There is a slight ramp, with handrails on both sides, for access to additional seating.
    • The width of the ramp is 124cm (4ft 1in).
    • The ramp or slope does bypass the step(s).
    • The level change can be seen in the photographs.
  • Getting Around View
    • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
    • This building does play background music.
    • Music is played in the bar area.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Eating and Drinking (The Water Hole Bar)

  • The following information is for the restaurant/bar.
  • The bar does serve food.
  • 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.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the Water Hole Entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 53cm (1ft 9in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • The standard height for tables is 74cm.
  • 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 hand held 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 burgers and grilled food.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.

Lift (Students' Main Building)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the rear of the building.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the rear entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 96cm x 139cm (3ft 2in x 4ft 7in).
  • 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 has a hearing enhancement system.
  • The lift does not 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 good.

Eating and Drinking (Third Space Coffee Shop)

  • The following information is for the cafĂ©.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • There is a lowered section at the counter.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the lift.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 45cm (1ft 6in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 70cm (2ft 4in).
  • The standard height for tables is 70cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is not available.
  • Drinking straws are not available.
  • Menus are wall only.
  • Picture menus are not available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is hot and cold drinks and snacks.

Accessible Toilet (Ground Floor - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the right as you enter.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 219cm (4ft 11in x 7ft 2in).
    • There is a clear 150cm x 150cm manoeuvring space 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 82cm (2ft 8in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush 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 not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are general domestic waste disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • 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 not 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).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 80cm.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a low colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • There is a poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Accessible Toilet (First Floor - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The accessible toilet is located on the first floor.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 96cm (3ft 2in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 245cm (4ft 11in x 8ft).
    • There is a clear 150cm x 150cm manoeuvring space in the accessible toilet.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 116cm (3ft 10in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush 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 not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are female sanitary disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 148cm from the floor.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • 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 not 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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 101cm (3ft 4in).
    • 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).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 105cm.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the external door and wall.
    • There is a low colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall.
    • There is a low colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the walls and floor.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • There is a baby change table at a height of 92cm in the cubicle.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Location of Standard Toilet(s) View
    • There are male and female standard toilets facilities on the ground floor and the first floor.
  • Standard Toilet Surveyed View
    • A male standard toilet was surveyed.
    • The toilet surveyed is located to the right as you enter.
    • There is a female standard toilet in the same location.
    • There is step free access to the standard toilet(s) surveyed from the entrance.
    • The standard toilet surveyed is approximately 8m from the main entrance.
    • There is not a/are not cubicle(s) suitable for ambulant disabled people in the standard toilet(s) surveyed.
    • Lighting levels in the standard toilet surveyed are good.