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Sports Centre

University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9RB

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include two multi-purpose sports halls (for badminton, table tennis, basketball, football etc), fitness room, indoor cricket nets, four glass-backed championship squash courts, dance and martial arts studio, therapy room, sports injury clinic.
  • ACCA Building link (new tab) - click here.

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:30 - 22:00.
  • Tuesday 07:30 - 22:00.
  • Wednesday 07:30 - 22:00.
  • Thursday 07:30 - 22:00.
  • Friday 07:30 - 22:00.
  • Saturday 09:00 - 20:00.
  • Sunday 09:00 - 20:00.

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

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 P5.
    • The car park is located off University Way.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Site/Campus Car Park (Car Park 5)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located next to the Sports Centre, off Sport Centre Road.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are the Sports Centre and the ACCA 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 550cm (8ft 2in x 18ft 1in).
    • 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 machines are located at the centre of the car park.
    • There is not a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
    • There is not a level turning space (minimum 185cm x 210cm) in front of the payment machine(s).
    • Payment cannot be made by phone.
  • 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 Sportcentre Road.
    • The nearest designated bay is 55m (60yd 5in) from the main entrance.
  • Comments View
    • This car park is available to everyone including visitors.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is located 100m from the main entrance.
    • For further details on parking on campus please see the University website parking page.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the side of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped 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 (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is / are double (with one leaf locked).
    • The width of the door opening is 92cm (3ft).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located to the left as you face the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • Comments View
    • The push pad is 90cm high.

Reception

  • The reception is located immediately beyond the main entrance.
  • The desk is 2m (2yd 7in) 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 medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • There is not a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the majority of the building, via lift.
    • There is/are 8 clearly marked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to the fitness suite.
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • These steps are shown in photograph 1.
    • There is/are 4 clearly marked step(s), with a handrail on the right going up, for access to the ground floor.
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • These steps are shown in photograph 2.
    • There is/are 10+ clearly marked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to the squash courts.
    • The step(s) is/are deep (18cm+).
    • These steps are shown in photograph 3.
    • There are not 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 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 high 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.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG, G and 1.
    • The stairs are located to the left after the main entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 18m from the main 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.
    • There is a landing.
  • Other View
    • The area(s)/service(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are fitness suite.

Lift (LG and G)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located opposite reception.
  • The lift is a stair lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG and G.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The platform lift accesses a small level change.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 225kg.
  • The lift is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 80cm x 125cm (2ft 7in x 4ft 1in).
  • 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 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 (Main Stair Lift)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left after the main entrance, beyond the reception to hall 1 lift.
  • The lift is a stair lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G and 1.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 225kg.
  • The lift is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 80cm x 125cm (2ft 7in x 4ft 1in).
  • 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 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.

Fitness Suite

  • Access to Fitness Suite View
    • The fitness suite is located on the first floor, to the right after exiting the stair lift.
    • The fitness suite is 18m (19yd 2ft) from the main stair lift.
    • There is not step free access to the fitness suite.
    • There are doors into the fitness suite.
    • The doors open away from you (push).
    • The doors are double.
    • The doors are heavy.
    • The opening is 148cm wide.
  • Fitness Suite (General) View
    • Staff receive no training in assisting disabled people.
    • A portable hearing loop is not available for induction.
    • There is not clear manoeuvring space between equipment.
    • There is level access to all of the equipment.

Hall 1

  • Hall 1 contains a basketball court, badminton courts, indoor cricket nets and indoor football pitches. It is located on the ground floor to the left after the main entrance.
  • It is approximately 20m from the main entrance and can be accessed via the LG and G stair lift. The door to access the hall is 85cm wide and light.

Hall 2

  • Hall 2 is located on the lower ground floor, beyond reception. It contains a basketball court, badminton courts and indoor football pitches.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities

  • Accessible toilet facilities are located on the lower ground floor to the right after the main entrance. There is a second accessible toilet to the left after the main entrance in the male ground floor changing rooms and a third accessible toilet on the ground floor in the female changing rooms.
  • Male standard toilet facilities are located within the lower ground male changing room.
  • Female standard toilet facilities are located within the lower ground female changing room.

Standard Changing Room (Lower Ground Male Changing Room)

  • There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
  • The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located to the right after the main entrance.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the reception desk.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the Hall 2.
  • There is level access to the standard changing room(s).

Standard Changing Room (Lower Ground Female Changing Room)

  • There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
  • The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located beyond the reception.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the reception desk.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the Hall 2.
  • There is level access to the standard changing room(s).

Standard Changing Room (Ground Floor Male Changing Room)

  • There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
  • The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located to the left after the main entrance.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 23m (25yd 6in) from the main entrance.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the reception desk.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the Hall 1.
  • There is not level access to the standard changing room(s).
  • Comments View
    • There is an adjustable shower head with flip down seat at a height of 48cm available within the standard changing rooms.

Standard Changing Room (Ground Floor Female Changing Room)

  • There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
  • The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located to the left after the main entrance.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 27m (29yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 23m (25yd 6in) from the reception desk.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the Hall 1.
  • There is level access to the standard changing room(s).
  • Comments View
    • There is an adjustable shower head, flip down seat and horizontal and vertical wall mounted rails available within the changing rooms.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor Male Changing Room)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located within the ground floor male standard changing room.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet, via lift.
    • This is a male 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 medium.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is light.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is medium.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is low.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 160cm x 190cm (5ft 3in x 6ft 3in).
    • 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 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • 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 medium.
    • 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 medium.
    • 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 not available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 162cm 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 and a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • 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 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).
    • 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 medium.
    • 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 90cm.
    • 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 medium.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor Female Changing Room)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located within the ground floor female changing room.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 27m (29yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a female 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 medium.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is light.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is medium.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is low.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 160cm x 190cm (5ft 3in x 6ft 3in).
    • 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 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a female 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 medium.
    • 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 medium.
    • 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 a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 170cm 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 and a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • 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 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).
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the left hand side of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is medium.
    • 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 90cm.
    • 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 medium.

Toilet with Adaptations (Lower Ground)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located beyond the reception.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 22m (24yd 2in) 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 tactile, written text, pictorial and Braille 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 twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is medium.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is medium.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 148cm x 195cm (4ft 10in x 6ft 5in).
    • 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 72cm (2ft 4in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a female 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 medium.
    • 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 medium.
    • 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 nappy/incontinence items bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 170cm from the floor.
  • 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.
    • There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • 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 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).
    • 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 medium.
    • 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 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 medium.
  • 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 95cm.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The male toilet is located within the ground floor male changing room.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 23m 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 81cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The female toilet is located within the lower ground female changing room.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 26m 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 81cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

Emergency Egress

Deaf Messaging Service