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ACCA Building

University of Sussex, Brighton, BN1 9RA

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include a seminar room, The Jane Attenborough Studio, Gardner Tower, an auditorium and a cafe.

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 (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.

Building Parking

  • The building does have its own dedicated parking.
  • Building Car Park View
    • The car park can be used by staff and Blue Badge holders.
    • The car park is located to the front and side 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 260cm x 550cm (8ft 6in x 18ft 1in).
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do need to be booked in advance.
    • The nearest designated bay is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the building is accessible to a wheelchair user.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • Site/Campus Car Parks View
    • There is a site/campus car park for staff, students and visitors within approximately 200m.
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available within the car park.
    • The name of the car park is P5 Sports Centre Car Park.
    • The car park is located off University Way.
  • 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 (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • 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 width of the door opening is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of less than 2cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp is permanent.

Reception (Box Office)

  • Box Office is located to the left as you enter.
  • The desk is 4m (4yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Clear signage for the reception area is not 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 low (76cm or lower).
  • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low counter.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is signed.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the building via lift(s).
    • 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 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 varied.
    • This building does not play background music.
  • Comments View
    • Photograph 8 shows an example of the refuge intercom systems located in all the lift and stairwell lobby areas of the building.
    • The systems are 115cm in height.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-B-1.
    • The stairs are located to the left as you enter.
    • The stairs are approximately 20m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • There are manual, heavy, single doors to access the stairwell on the mezzanine floor.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is not a landing.
    • There is an additional staircase located to the right as you enter the building (as shown in photograph 4). This provides access to a staff kitchen as well as an alternate entrance into the auditorium. The use of this alternate entrance is discouraged.
  • Other View
    • The area(s)/service(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are staff kitchen and alternate auditorium entrance.
  • Comments View
    • Photograph 1 shows the stairs leading from the ground floor to the mezzanine level cafe and seminar room.
    • Photograph 2 shows the stairs leading up from the mezzanine level to the auditorium accessible entrance on the first floor.

Lift (Main)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left as you enter.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-B-1.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 105cm x 140cm (3ft 5in 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 have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The lift does 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.
  • Comments View
    • This lift provides access to the accessible entrance into the auditorium on the first floor.

Eating and Drinking

  • The following information is for the cafe.
  • 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 a lowered section at the counter.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is 2m (2yd 7in) from the main lift.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 42cm (1ft 5in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 74cm (2ft 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 hand held 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 hot and cold snacks.

Theatre (Auditorium)

  • There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
  • Designated seating is located the bleachers seating area.
  • Wheelchairs are left with the patron.
  • A companion may sit with you.
  • Companions sit either side of the designated spaces.
  • This venue does provide audio described performances.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing system is infrared.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
  • A deposit is not required for the sound enhancement system.
  • The rows suitable for hearing assistance systems are B-H.
  • There is not a wheelchair to borrow.
  • Concessions are available.
  • Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium.
  • Comments View
    • The designated seating can be accessed via the main lift and is located on the first floor.
    • There is a captioning unit available but it is not used on a regular basis.

Lift (Backstage)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located at the rear of the building.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 42m (45yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 89cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 145cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 9in).
  • 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 have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The lift does not have a hearing loop 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 medium.
  • Comments View
    • This lift provides access from the ground floor to the backstage area of the auditorium on level 1.

Standard Changing Room (Changing Room 1)

  • There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
  • The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located towards the rear of the building.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 21m (22yd 2ft) from the reception desk.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the backstage lift.
  • There is level access to the standard changing room(s).
  • Comments View
    • There is a standard toilet (as shown in photograph 2) and a standard shower (as shown in photograph 3) available within this changing room.

Standard Changing Room (Changing Room 2)

  • There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
  • The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located at the rear of the building.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 38m (41yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 32m (34yd 2ft) from the reception desk.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the backstage lift.
  • There is level access to the standard changing room(s).

Accessible Toilet (Changing Room 2)

  • There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 40m (43yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located at the rear of the building, within changing room 2.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The door is light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 210cm x 230cm (6ft 11in 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 160cm (5ft 3in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is sensor.
    • There is not 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.
    • 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 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • 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).
  • 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 poor.
    • 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 fair.
    • The lighting levels are bright.

Accessible Shower (Changing Room 2)

  • Accessible shower facilities are available.
  • The accessible shower(s) surveyed is/are located within the changing room 2 accessible toilet.
  • The facilities available in the accessible shower(s) include; an adjustable shower head, handrails and a flip down seat.
  • The height of the seat is 53cm (1ft 9in).
  • There is level access to the services from the accessible shower facilities.

Accessible Toilet

  • There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the right as you enter, within the ground floor male standard toilets.
    • There is a similar accessible toilet within the ground floor female standard toilets.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is not a unisex toilet.
    • Located within the ground floor male standard toilets.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 200cm (4ft 11in x 6ft 7in).
    • There is not 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 78cm (2ft 7in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is sensor.
    • There is not a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm in the cubicle.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are not available in the cubicle.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
    • 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 not a mirror.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 50cm (1ft 8in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • 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).
  • 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 good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Comments View
    • There is a baby changing table located within this accessible toilet.
    • The baby changing table is 90cm in height.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard Toilet Surveyed View
    • A male standard toilet was surveyed.
    • The toilet surveyed is located on the ground floor.
    • 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 18m from the main 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.

Deaf Messaging Service