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F - Central Hall

University of York, Campus West, Zone 2, York, YO10 5DD

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include an open foyer area sometimes used for events, a large auditorium used for major events, rehearsal rooms, dressing rooms, and a backstage area.
  • F - Central Hall link (new tab) - click here.

Rooms and Spaces Links (First Floor)

Rooms and Spaces Links (Second Floor)

Getting Here (Zone 2)

  • By Road View
    • To reach the University approach from the junction of the A64 and A1079 on the east of the city, from where the university is signposted.
    • The main car parks in Zone 2 are Car Park 2.4 (Campus Central) which has free parking for permit holders and pay and display parking for visitors, Car Park 2.3 (Information Centre) free parking for Blue Badge Holders, Car Park 2.2 (C), Car Park 2.1 (D) and Car Park 2.5 (Vanbrugh) which are for permit holders only. Car Park 2.1 (D) is free for evening visitors to the Sir Jack Lyons Concert Hall.
      Parking is limited, and visitor parking is on a pay and display basis (see the campus map for locations). Parking costs £1 per hour or £6 per day and is free at weekends and between 6pm and 8am. You can pay using coins or with a mobile phone using Paysmarti.
      There are accessible parking spaces in all University car parks.
  • By Bus View
    • There are buses from the city centre and railway station approximately every 5 minutes during the day and it takes around 20 minutes to reach the campus.
      The UoY66 service runs from York railway station to Campus West and Campus East, via the city centre. The 66 bus leaves the station from stop RJ, the opposite side of the road from the station. This service runs every 7-8 minutes Monday to Saturday and every 10 minutes on a Sunday.
      The UoY66a service runs from Merchantgate in the city centre via Lawrence Street, Heslinton Hall (Campus West), Campus East and ending at York Sports Village. This service runs up to every 15 minutes on a Monday to Saturday and every 20 minutes on a Sunday.
      The UoY66x service is a morning direct bus which runs three trips at 7.30am, 8am and 8.20am from Monday to Friday (term time only) from York Train Station Direct to the University of York and York Sports Village.
      The ub.1 is a dedicated free shuttle bus service for travel around the main University campus during term-time. The UoY66 also provides free travel around Campus East and West.
      You can reach York by coach from many destinations around the country. National Express coaches stop at the railway station.
  • By Train View
    • There is a frequent, fast train service to York on the main East Coast Line from London King’s Cross to Edinburgh. There is also a direct service between York, Leeds and Manchester Airport.
      The University is a short bus or taxi ride direct from the railway station.
  • Useful Links View

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does not have its own dedicated parking.
  • Site/Campus Car Parks View
    • There is not a site/campus car park within approximately 200m.
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available within the car park.
    • The name of the car park is Car Park 6.1.
    • The car park is located to the south of the Exhibition Centre, Physics, Electronic Engineering Buildings.
    • The car park is more than 200m from the building.
  • 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.

Site/Campus Car Park (6.1 (Campus South))

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located to the east of the Exhibition Centre, Physics, Electronic Engineering buildings.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Exhibition Centre, Physics, Electronic Engineering buildings.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is block paving.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked and signposted.
    • There is/are 6 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 370cm x 600cm (12ft 2in x 19ft 8in).
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by anybody and Blue Badge holders.
    • Parking charges apply for all except Blue Badge holders.
    • Signs are provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
    • Signs are clearly presented.
    • Payment machines are located close to the Blue Badge parking bays.
    • There is not a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
    • There is a level turning space (minimum 185cm x 210cm) in front of the payment machine(s).
    • Payment can 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 level access to the car park from the Zone 6 area.
    • This car park is not clearly signposted from the Exhibition Centre, Physics, Electronic Engineering.
    • The nearest designated bay is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the Physics Electrical Engineering Entrance of the Exhibition Centre, Physics, Electronic Engineering Building.

Route Guide from Car Park 6.1 to Central Hall

  • Use the exit to the left of the car park entrance, between the accessible parking bays.
  • Turn right and continue along the tarmac path for approximately 50m.
  • On reaching the corner of the building to the left, turn left. Continue along the tarmac path towards the lake and the cloistered walkway.
  • Follow the walkway to the beginning of the bridge, where there is a slight slope and the surface changes to wooden decking.
  • On reaching the end of the of the bridge, continue ahead, the entrance to Central Hall is on the left.

Outside Access (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 (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 140cm (4ft 7in).
    • 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) both ways.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 155cm (5ft 1in).

Entrance (Backstage Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the right as you enter the building, between the two sets of doors at the main entrance.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the card reader/lock is 107cm (3ft 6in).
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is / are single (with a locked extension leaf).
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 70cm (2ft 4in).
  • Comments View
    • This entrance leads directly into the stairwell and the stair lift.
    • There is an identical entrance opposite the entrance surveyed (shown in photograph 2).
    • This leads directly into the left hand stairwell.

Reception

  • The reception is located to the right as you enter via 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 moderate to good.
  • 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.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is not signed.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested on 31/03/2022.
  • The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the majority of the building, via lift.
    • There are 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 no 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 moderate to good.
    • This building does not play background music.
    • There is a hearing assistance system.
    • The system is a fixed loop.
    • There is a fixed loop on the reception desk and in the auditorium/lecture theatre.
    • Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested on 31/03/2022.
    • The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.
  • Comments View
    • The loop in the reception is not always clearly audible as the audio from the loop in the lecture theatre can also be heard.
    • The foyer area is sometimes used to hold events which may restrict access.
    • Step-free access to the speaker's area on the first floor is only available via the backstage area.
    • Step-free access to the first aid room, changing rooms and the designating seating on the second floor is only available by going through the rehearsal room.
    • Access to rooms on the second floor is also available via the staircases without going through the rehearsal room.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located outside the building, opposite the main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1 and 2.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 1136kg.
  • The lift is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 167cm x 163cm (5ft 6in x 5ft 4in).
  • 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 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.
  • Comments View
    • A key is required to access the lift on the ground floor, the key is in a lock box behind reception.
    • The height to the top of the lock is 100cm.
    • Staff may need to be asked for the key to the lift so that it can be accessed on the ground floor.
    • This lift can be used to give level access to the lecture theatre/auditorium Speakers Area / Stage on the first floor via the Backstage Area and the Designated Seating Area on the second floor via the Rehearsal Room.
    • Access to the lift may be restricted when the Rehearsal Room on the second floor or the Backstage Area on the first floor are in use.

Lift (Stair Lift)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the stairs at the right backstage entrance.
  • 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 300kg.
  • The lift is approximately 1m (3ft 3in) from the backstage entrance.
  • Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 105cm x 85cm (3ft 5in x 2ft 9in).
  • 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 not have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.
  • Comments View
    • A key is required to operate the stair lift, the key is kept in the lockbox behind reception.
    • The lift can only be used in a seated position as there is a height restriction on the stairs as can be seen in photograph 5.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1 and 2.
    • The stairs are located ahead as you enter the backstage entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 3m from the backstage entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • There are manual, double doors which may be difficult to open to access the stairwell from the first floor upwards.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • 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 similar staircase on the left hand side of the building, ahead as you enter the left hand backstage entrance (shown in photographs 3 and 4).
  • Comments View
    • These staircases can provide access between the Stage / Speakers area and the changing rooms and first aid rooms on the second floor when the rehearsal room is in use.

Level Change

  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located ahead and to the rear right and rear left.
  • There is/are 5 step(s) to the area/service.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are good.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on the right going up the step(s).
  • Comments View
    • The hand rail is on the left for the steps in the left hand corner.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities

  • Accessible toilet facilities are located on the ground floor, to the front left of the building as you enter via the main entrance, and on the second floor to the front left of the building as you exit the lift.
  • Female standard toilet facilities are located on the ground floor, to the front right of the building as you enter via the main entrance, and on the second floor to the front right of the building as you exit the lift.
  • Male standard toilet facilities are located on the ground floor, to the front left of the building as you enter via the main entrance, and on the second floor to the front left of the building as you exit the lift.
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located in the accessible toilet on the ground floor.

Standard Shower

  • Shower facilities are available.
  • The shower(s) surveyed is/are located on the second floor, to the front left of the building as you exit the lift.
  • Comments View
    • There is 1 deep 20cm step created by the shower tray.
    • The shower head is adjustable.
    • The controls are lever twist.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Ground Floor - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor, to the front left of the building as you enter via the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 11m (12yd 1in) 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 pictorial and written text 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 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • 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 146cm x 292cm (4ft 9in x 9ft 7in).
    • 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 83cm (2ft 9in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by storage items.
    • 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 poor.
    • 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 poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is not 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 not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • 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 poor.
    • 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 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • 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 71cm (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 poor.
    • 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 99cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 100cm.
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is poor.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • 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 86cm.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Second Floor - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the second floor, to the front left of the building as you exit the lift, through the rehearsal room.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet, via lift.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial and written text 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 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • 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 153cm x 228cm (5ft x 7ft 6in).
    • 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).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by 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 fair.
    • 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) to the left of the toilet and wall is fair.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) to the right of the toilet and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is not 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 a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 135cm 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.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • 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 93cm (3ft 1in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is fair.
    • 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 fair.
    • 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 105cm.
    • 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 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is fair.

Standard Toilet(s) (Ground Floor)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female toilet is located on the ground floor, to the front right of the building as you enter via the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 5m from the main entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 84cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The male toilet is located on the ground floor, to the front left of the building as you enter via the main entrance.
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 15m from the main entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 83cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Standard Toilet(s) (Second Floor)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The male toilet is located on the second floor on the left as you exit the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s), via lift.
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 18m from the lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is fair.
    • 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 86cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The female toilet is located on the second floor on the right as you exit the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s), via lift.
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 15m from the lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is fair.
    • 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 85cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are good.