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Falmer House

University of Sussex Students' Union, Brighton, BN1 9QF

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include Student Union, Student Union Shop, Mandela Hall, Doctoral Centre, Falmer Bar.

Opening Times

  • The building is open 24 hours via swipe card.

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • The University campus is located to the north of Brighton, accessed off the A27.
      From the centre of Brighton, take the A270 Lewes Road. Just before it meets the A27, turn onto Stony Mere Way and continue onto Sports Centre Road. Turn left into Gardner Centre Road. The building is located at the end of this road.
    • Pre-arranged visitor parking is available in Car Park 4, located outside Sussex House.
      The most accessible car park to the Trafford Centre is Car Park 1.
      Pay and display visitor parking is available in Car Park 4, Car Park 5 (outside the Sports Centre) and the Sports Complex car park. Permit only car parks are located throughout the campus.
  • By Bus View
    • Bus routes 5B 23, 25, 28, 29 and 50 run from the centre of Brighton to the campus. There are several bus stops located throughout the campus.
  • By Train View
    • The nearest station is Falmer, which is located on the opposite side of the A27 from the campus.
  • Useful Links View

Useful Information

Site/Campus Car Park (Sports Centre Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located by the Sports Centre.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Sports Centre, Falmer House.
    • 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 350cm x 500cm (11ft 6in x 16ft 5in).
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do vary in size.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by anybody.
    • Parking charges apply for all except permit and Blue Badge holders.
    • Signs are provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
    • Signs are clearly presented.
    • Payment can be made by phone.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is sloped access to the car park from the car park to the sports centre entrance.
    • This car park is not clearly signposted from the sports centre entrance.
    • The nearest designated bay is 49m (53yd 1ft) from the sports centre entrance.
  • Comments View
    • There is a second Blue Badge bay located on the opposite side of the car park. This bay is closer to the main university campus. The width is 510 x 480.

Building Parking

  • The building does have its own dedicated parking.
  • Building Car Park View
    • The car park can be used by permit holders and Blue Badge holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • The car park is located at the rear of the building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • There is/are 1 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 255cm x 410cm (8ft 4in x 13ft 5in).
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
    • The nearest designated bay is 55m (60yd 5in) from the main entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the building is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is / are slopes/ramps.
    • The dropped kerb between the car park and the building does not have tactile paving.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • 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 not available.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Outside Access (Falmer House Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • 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) automatically (away from you).
    • The door(s) is/are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 150cm (4ft 11in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of less than 2cm.
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is / are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The width of the door opening is 95cm (3ft 1in).

Outside Access (Falmer Bar Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the building in Falmer Bar.
    • 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 (with one leaf locked).
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 68cm (2ft 3in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of less than 2cm.

Outside Access (Student Union Shop)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the ground floor off of the main courtyard area to the right.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 130cm (4ft 3in).

Entrance (Falmer Bar)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located immediately beyond the main building reception.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The automatic door(s) is / are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The width of the door opening is 90cm (2ft 11in).

Entrance (Room 76 (Bubble Tea Takeaways))

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the building in Room 76.
    • This entrance gives access to Bubble Tea Takeaways.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.

Reception (Welcome Hub)

  • Welcome Hub is located immediately beyond the main entrance.
  • The desk is 8m (8yd 2ft) from the main 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 high (110cm+).
  • 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 not a hearing assistance system.

Reception (Research and Enterprise Services)

  • Research and Enterprise Services is located on the second floor.
  • The desk is 50m (54yd 2ft) from the lift.
  • There is step free access to this reception area.
  • The lighting levels in the reception area are medium.
  • The reception desk/counter is high (110cm+).
  • 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 not at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.
  • The hearing system is available only on request.
  • The hearing assistance system is signed.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the building.
    • 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 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 moderate to good.
    • This building does play background music.
    • Music is played in the students' union area and the Falmer Bar.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1 and 2.
    • The stairs are located immediately beyond the main entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 20m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • 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 landing.
    • There is a second staircase on the far-left side of the building. It has handrails on both sides and the steps are medium depth.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located opposite Welcome Hub reception.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 88cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 108cm x 200cm (3ft 7in x 6ft 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 does not have a hearing loop 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 medium.

Lift (Students Union)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the first floor at the rear of the students' union area.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are 1 and 2.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 400 kg.
  • The lift is approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the lift.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 105cm x 140cm (3ft 5in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not 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 moderate to good.

Students Union

  • The main students' union common area is located on the first floor of Falmer House.

Mandela Hall

  • Mandela Hall is located on the first floor, there is also a balcony on the second floor. The hall is an events space. The doors to enter the hall are push pad activated on both sides. There is a counter within the hall which is 100cm high.

Student Union Shop

  • There is level access throughout and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre. The narrowest width is 85cm.

Eating and Drinking (Falmer Bar)

  • The following information is for the restaurant/bar.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is 3m (3yd 10in) from the main entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 70cm (2ft 4in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • 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 available.
  • Drinking straws are not available.
  • Menus are hand held and wall.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are not available in large print.
  • Picture menus are available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Falmer Bar - Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor of Falmer House, to the rear of the venue.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 32m (34yd 2ft) from the Falmer Bar 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 outwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 77cm (2ft 6in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is poor.
    • 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 150cm x 210cm (4ft 11in x 6ft 11in).
    • The accessible toilet does not 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 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not 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 the right.
    • There is not a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is not a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • 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 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.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf has the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
    • The shelf is at a height of 120cm.
    • The shelf is not located where it is reachable.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • 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 height of the toilet roll holder is 94cm (3ft 1in).
    • 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).
    • The height of the wash basin is 72cm (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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 90cm.
    • 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 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is poor.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available.
    • The height of the baby change table is 90cm.

Accessible Toilet (Second Floor - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the second floor, to the left after you exit the lift.
    • 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 locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 170cm x 260cm (5ft 7in x 8ft 6in).
    • 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 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • 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 fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are female sanitary 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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 105cm (3ft 5in).
    • 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 60cm.
  • 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 fair.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • There is a good 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 good.

Accessible Toilet (First Floor - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is tactile, pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the first floor, to the left after you exit the lift.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • 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 locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 230cm x 230cm (7ft 7in x 7ft 7in).
    • 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 165cm (5ft 5in).
    • 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 fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and clinical 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 placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 49cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • 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 85cm.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good 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 good.

Standard Toilet(s) (Falmer Bar)

  • Standard Toilet Surveyed View
    • A male standard toilet was surveyed.
    • The toilet surveyed is located in Falmer Bar.
    • 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 32m from the Falmer Bar 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.

Standard Toilet(s) (First Floor)

  • Standard Toilet Surveyed View
    • A male standard toilet was surveyed.
    • The toilet surveyed is located on the first floor.
    • There is step free access to the standard toilet(s) surveyed from the entrance.
    • The standard toilet surveyed is approximately 17m from the lift.
    • 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.

Emergency Egress

Deaf Messaging Service