Skip to main content

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include a reception area, Information Technology offices, meeting rooms, kitchens, accessible toilets, standard toilets and lift.

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • Approaching from the north west or south east along the M6: Leave at Junction 6 (signposted Birmingham Central) to join the A38(M).
      At the end of the motorway, keep to the right, go over a flyover, then through some underpasses to join the A38 Bristol Road.
      The University is on your right, two and a half miles from the city centre.
      Approaching from the M42 north: Leave at Junction 8 to join the M6 northbound and follow the instructions above. Approaching from the south west: Leave the M5 at Junction 4 signposted Birmingham SW) to join the A38. The University is approximately eight miles from the motorway. Approaching from the M40: It is easier to turn south on the M42 and leave at Junction 1, heading north on the A38 Bristol Road. The University is approximately eight miles from the motorway.
    • The building is located near the University’s Edgbaston Campus; it’s not necessary to go onto campus to reach the building.
      3 Elms Road has staff and visitor parking, including Blue Badge holder parking on site.
  • By Bus View
    • Buses X21 and X22 run along Pritchatts Road from the city centre and stop near University North Gate Stop ID: nwmatgwg .
  • By Train View
    • From Birmingham New Street Station around six trains an hour call at University Station and take 8 - 10 minutes.
      The final destinations for trains are Bromsgrove, Redditch, Hereford and Cardiff Central.
      3 Elms Road is a 10-minute walk from University Station.
  • Useful Links View

Useful Information

  • The interactive campus map and link to the mobility map are available here. The interactive map is also available on an app to download to your phone.https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/contact/directions/index.aspx

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities

  • Accessible toilet facilities are located on the ground and first floor.
  • Shared standard toilet facilities are located on the ground and first floor..
  • Female standard toilet facilities are located on the ground and first floor..
  • Male standard toilet facilities are located on the ground and first floor..

Opening Times

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

Building Parking

  • The building does have its own dedicated parking.
  • Building Car Park View
    • The car park can be used by visitors, permit holders and Blue Badge holders.
    • Parking charges apply for non permit holders.
    • The car park is located to the left 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 Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 238cm x 480cm (7ft 10in x 15ft 9in).
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
    • The nearest designated bay is 26m (28yd 1ft) from the main accessible 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 dropped kerb between the car park and the building does have tactile paving.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • Site/Campus Car Parks View
    • There is not a site/campus car park within approximately 200m.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Outside Access (Accessible)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the front of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 149cm (4ft 11in).
    • There is not an intercom.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the card reader/lock is 83cm (2ft 9in).
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 76cm (2ft 6in).
  • 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 does not bypass the step(s).
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • Comments View
    • There is an accessible push pad at outside entrance with a height of 97cm.
    • The push pad on the inside is at a height of 87cm.

Outside Access (Stepped Staff Entrance - Left Side)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the left of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped and stepped 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 103cm (3ft 5in).
    • There is not 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 single.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 75cm (2ft 6in).
  • 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 does not bypass the step(s).
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is / are 1 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the step(s).
    • The step(s) is / are not clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do not have handrails.

Outside Access (Stepped Staff Entrance - Right Side)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the right of the building.
    • There is stepped 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 96cm (3ft 2in).
    • There is not 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 single.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located to the right as you face the entrance.
    • There is / are 3 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the step(s).
    • The step(s) is / are not clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do not have handrails.
  • Comments View
    • There is also a step at the entrance door with a height of 17cm.
  • Comments View
    • There is also a step at the entrance door with a height of 17cm.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Reception

  • The desk is 5m (5yd 1ft) from the accessible entrance.
  • Clear signage for the reception area is not visible from the lift.
  • 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 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/lowered counter.
  • The desk is not staffed.
  • There is not a bell to attract attention.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Comments View
    • As at date of survey October 2022, the reception area was not in use.

Other Floors (Left)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G and 1.
    • The stairs are located by the right side staff entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 2m from the left of building staff entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • There are manual, single doors which may be difficult to open to access the stairwell on the ground floor and on the first floor.
    • The lighting levels are 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.

Other Floors (Right)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G and 1.
    • The stairs are located to the right of the building.
    • The stairs are approximately 3m from the front right staff entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • There are manual, single doors which may be difficult to open to on the first floor.
    • The lighting levels are 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.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located in the entrance foyer.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G and 1.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 2000 pounds.
  • The lift is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the accessible entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 105cm (3ft 5in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 150cm x 140cm (4ft 11in 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 not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does not have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The highest emergency button is at a height of 150cm.
  • The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 9m (9yd 2ft) from the accessible 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 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 89cm (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 218cm x 225cm (7ft 2in x 7ft 5in).
    • 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 160cm (5ft 3in).
    • 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 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 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 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 backrest and a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (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 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • 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 69cm (2ft 3in).
    • 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 91cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
  • Comments View
    • There is a pull-down cloth hand dryer which cannot be reached from the toilet and is at a height of 85cm. The storage base for the cloth dryer does not have a good contrast.
    • The corridor outside the accessible toilet has a width of 1m and when the door is open to takes up most of the space.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the first floor.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • 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 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 151cm x 211cm (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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 83cm (2ft 9in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
    • 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 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 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 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 backrest and a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 41cm (1ft 4in).
    • 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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 102cm (3ft 4in).
    • 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 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There are no vertical wall-mounted grab rails at the wash basin.
    • 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 93cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
  • Comments View
    • There are two doors to access the accessible toilet, the first door is single, opens inwards (push) is easy to open and has a width of 77cm. It then takes you into an inner lobby where the main door is.
    • There is a cloth pull down hand dryer at a height of 107cm which can be reached from the toilet and has a poor contrast.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • The nearest standard toilet(s) is/are located on the ground floor.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located along the corridor to the right of the building.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 16m from the accessible entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • There is written text 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 twist/turn.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • There are similar toilets along the corridor to the left of the building on the ground floor.
    • There are also shared, and separate male and female toilets located on the first floor.