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London College of Communication - Tower Block Students' Union

London College of Communication, Tower Block, Elephant and Castle, London, SE1 6SB

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Access Guide

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Introduction

Opening Times

Getting Here

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 to the right of the College.
    • 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 3 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 320cm x 550cm (10ft 6in x 18ft 1in).
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do vary in size.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do need to be booked in advance.
    • The nearest designated bay is 60m (65yd 1ft) 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 uneven surfaces.
    • 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.
  • Comments View
    • The bollards at the entrance can be lowered when staff are contacted via the intercom.
    • The car park can be used as a drop off point, provided staff are contacted via the intercom to have the bollards lowered.

Outside Access (Campus Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off Newington Butts.
    • 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 (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The width of the door opening is 106cm (3ft 6in).
  • 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 single.
    • The width of the door opening is 106cm (3ft 6in).
  • Comments View
    • The push pad is located on the left of the entrance and operates the left set of the three glass doors only.

Reception (Information and Facilities Reception)

  • The Information and Facilities Reception is located to the left as you enter.
  • The desk is 6m (6yd 1ft) 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 bright.
  • The reception desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • There is a clear knee recess beneath the low counter.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • Comments View
    • There are barriers immediately beyond the reception desk, a larger gate with a width of 100cm and smaller gates 53cm wide.

Entrance (Students' Union Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the rear of The Street.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 164cm (5ft 5in).

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the area.
    • There is/are 8 clearly marked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to rooms TG 08, TG 08A and The Podium Lecture Theatre (Lecture Theatre C).
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • There is an enclosed platform lift which overcomes the steps.
    • Rooms TG 08, TG 08A are located after only 5 steps, which can be seen in photograph 1.
      There are then an additional 3 steps to reach the Podium Lecture Theatre (photograph 2).
      Both levels can be reached via the platform lift.
    • There is a slight ramp, with handrails on both sides, for access to The Darkroom Bar.
    • The ramp can be seen in photograph 3.
    • There is/are 1 clearly marked step(s), with no handrails, for access to the bar and toilets.
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • There is a slight ramp, with handrails on both sides, for access to the toilet facilities.
    • The width of the ramp is 118cm (3ft 10in).
    • The ramp or slope does bypass the step(s).
    • The step can be seen in photograph 4.
      The ramp can be seen in photograph 5. This ramp or step are used to access the bar area in The Darkroom Bar and the accessible and standard toilets.
    • 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 good.
    • This building does play background music.
    • Music is played in The Darkroom Bar.
    • There is a hearing assistance system.
    • The system is a fixed loop.
    • There is a hearing loop located in Lecture Theatre B.
  • Comments View
    • There are 4 deep clearly contrasted steps leading to a lower seating area in The Darkroom Bar (photograph 6).

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to your right on entrance.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The platform lift accesses a small level change.
  • The lift is approximately 11m (12yd 1in) from the Students' Union entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 102cm (3ft 4in).
  • The lift door is manual, opens outwards and may be difficult to open.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 101cm x 140cm (3ft 4in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are 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 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.

Counter (Post Room)

  • The desk is 13m (14yd 8in) from the Students' Union entrance.
  • The Post Room counter is located ahead as you enter.
  • The counter is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to this counter.
  • The lighting levels in this area are good.
  • The reception 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.

Eating and Drinking (The Darkroom Bar)

  • The following information is for the 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 20m (21yd 2ft) from the Students' Union entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 70cm (2ft 4in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 105cm (3ft 5in).
  • 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 available.
  • Menus are wall 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 snacks.

Lecture Theatre(s) (Lecture Theatre C)

  • Directional and locational signage for the lecture theatre(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible.
  • The corridor outside the lecture theatre(s) is not sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • There is step free access into the lecture theatre(s).
  • 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 designated spaces for wheelchair users within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The designated spaces for wheelchairs users are located at the back.
  • There is ramped/sloped access to the designated spaces from an entrance.
  • There is a slight ramp/slope for access to the designated spaces.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 142cm.
  • The ramp/slope does not have handrails.
  • 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 2 medium steps to access the speaker's area (photograph 7).
  • The height of the speaker's desk/table is 98cm.
  • The speaker's desk/table is not height adjustable.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system for the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is fixed furniture within the lecture theatre(s).
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There is a/are chair(s) with armrests on both sides within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The room does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • Floor coverings in the lecture theatre(s) are even with no trip hazards.
  • Comments View
    • The entrance to the lecture theatre is located to the left of the entrance to the main Students' Union area.
    • The lecture theatre is staggered due to the presence of a slope in the theatre.

Lecture Theatre(s) (Lecture Theatre B - Podium Lecture Theatre)

  • Directional and locational signage for the lecture theatre(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible.
  • The corridor outside the lecture theatre(s) is not sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • There is step free access into the lecture theatre(s).
  • 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 designated spaces for wheelchair users within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The designated spaces for wheelchairs users are located at the back.
  • There is ramped/sloped access to the designated spaces from an entrance.
  • There is a slight ramp/slope for access to the designated spaces.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 120cm.
  • The ramp/slope does not have handrails.
  • There is/are 2 medium height (11cm - 17cm) step(s) for access to the designated seating.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked and does not/do not have handrails.
  • 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).
  • The height of the speaker's desk/table is 99cm.
  • The speaker's desk/table is not height adjustable.
  • There is (staggered) tiered seating within the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is a hearing assistance system for the lecture theatre(s).
  • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
  • There is not 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 74cm.
  • 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 have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • Floor coverings in the lecture theatre(s) are even with no trip hazards.
  • Comments View
    • The staggered seating is along a moderate ramp.
    • There is an alternative entrance through a 155cm wide, maybe difficult to open double pull door to the theatre that leads directly onto the speaker's area, located within the Typo CafĂ©.
    • Alternatively there is access via the steep ramp at the bottom of the staggered seating.
    • It is also possible to access the speaker's area via the two medium steps next to the steep ramp.

Accessible Toilet (The Dark Room Bar - 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 30m (32yd 2ft) from the Students' Union entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located at the rear of The Darkroom Bar.
    • 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 inwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 94cm (3ft 1in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 212cm (4ft 11in x 6ft 11in).
    • 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 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • 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 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 112cm (3ft 8in).
    • 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 107cm (3ft 6in).
    • 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 98cm.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard Toilet Surveyed View
    • A male standard toilet was surveyed.
    • The toilet surveyed is located to the rear of The Darkroom 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 30m from the Students' Union 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.