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Engine Shed

University of Northampton, Waterside Campus, University Drive, Northampton, NN1 5PH

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include a café, toilets, accessible toilets and Student Union reception, breakout space and meeting rooms.

Opening Times (Engine Shed)

  • Monday 08:00 - 16:00.
  • Tuesday 08:00 - 16:00.
  • Wednesday 08:00 - 16:00.
  • Thursday 08:00 - 16:00.
  • Friday 08:00 - 16:00.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • The Waterside Campus is located towards the southeast of Northampton and can be accessed off the A428.
    • The closest car parks to our campus are St John’s Car Park (NN1 1HA) or Midsummer Meadows Car Park (NN1 5NX). Both of these are 5-10 minutes away from the campus.
      These are pay and display car parks and prices can be checked via the Council website.
      Spaces are available at Waterside Campus for Blue Badge holders.
      If you require an accessible car parking space, please contact your university host to book a space for you.
      A Park and Ride system runs from the west side of Northampton – the car park is a short distance from M1 junctions 15a and 16. 
      The Uno buses accept cash and contactless payments on board.
      University Park and Ride services are available with parking at the Park and Ride site is free and a return journey is a reduced rate of £1.20 for pre-arranged university visitors and interview applicants when you show your interview email.
      The address for the Park and Ride is: Claret Car Park and Saints Car Park, Edgar Mobbs Way, Sixfields, Northampton, NN5 5JR.
      Please see the Uno Bus timetables for bus times.  The car park is open from 6.00am – 10.30pm.
      It’s approximately a 2.3 mile journey to the University, taking 15 minutes on average.
  • By Bus View
    • National Express and other coach services operate from Victoria Street (please check with your operator to confirm) which is located directly beside the Upper Mounts car park in the town centre.
      Local buses operate from Northgate Bus Station, just off the Market Square in the town centre.
      The Uno 19 and 19A depart from the Drapery to Waterside every 12 minutes
  • By Train View
    • Northampton Railway Station is one hour by train from both London Euston and Birmingham New Street. 
      The number 18 bus connects the train station to campus Monday – Friday (at the weekends, visitors should walk to the Drapery and catch the 19/19A service to Waterside).

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.
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available within the car park.
    • The name of the car park is Car Park 3.
    • The car park is located to the front of the building.
  • 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.

Site/Campus Car Park (3)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located towards the west of the building.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are The Engine Shed.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is tarmac and block paving.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked and signposted.
    • There is/are 4 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 360cm x 480cm (11ft 10in x 15ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by visitors, Blue Badge holders and permit holders.
    • Parking charges apply for all except Blue Badge holders.
    • Signs are provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
    • Signs are clearly presented.
    • There is 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 campus.
    • This car park is clearly signposted from the campus.
    • The nearest designated bay is 129m (141yd 3in) from the Engine Shed.
  • Comments View
    • Car Park 3 is also used for guests of Sunley Hotel (pre-booked) and student residents at Waterside (permit holders).
    • For free Blue Badge parking please email your car registration and a photo of your Blue Badge to [email protected] within 24 hours of parking.

Outside Access

  • 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.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 180cm (5ft 11in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 170cm (5ft 7in).
  • Comments View
    • To the outside of the building are large wooden doors which are held open when the venue is open.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the building via lift(s).
  • 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 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 moderate to good.
    • This building does play background music.
    • Music is played at medium level throughout the building.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Comments View
    • The cobble flooring is slightly uneven.

Eating and Drinking (The Pit Stop)

  • Location and Access View
    • The following information is for the café.
    • The café is located to the left beyond the entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the café.
  • Service and Menus View
    • Tables cannot be booked in advance.
    • There is a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
    • Staff can bring food and/or drinks to tables.
    • Menu types include; handheld menus.
    • Menus are clearly written.
    • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
    • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
    • Plastic/takeaway cups are available.
    • Adapted cups are not available.
    • Adapted cutlery is not available.
    • Drinking straws are available.
    • This area does play background music.
    • Background music is played at all times.
    • There is a hearing assistance system .
    • The system is a fixed loop.
    • The hearing assistance system is located on the counter.
    • The hearing assistance system is signed.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested on 12/06/2023.
    • The hearing assistance system was not working at the time of testing.
    • There is not a portable card machine available for payment.
  • Service Counter(s) View
    • The height of the counter is 98cm.
    • The height of the lowered section at the counter is 77cm.
    • There is a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section of the counter.
    • There is a moveable card machine available for payment.
    • The type of flooring in this area is stone.
  • Tables and Seating View
    • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • The majority of tables are accessible to wheelchair users.
    • The distance between the floor and the underside of the lowest dining table is 74cm.
    • The distance between the floor and the underside of the highest dining table is 98cm.
    • The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 74cm.
    • There are also coffee tables, high tables, long tables, stools and high stools.
    • The surface height of the lowest table is 77cm.
    • The surface height of the highest table is 180cm.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs are permanently fixed.
    • Some chairs have armrests on both sides.
    • The type of flooring in this area is carpet and stone.
    • There is flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Student Union

  • There is a breakout space with Connect 4, Jenga and board games.
  • The seating ranges from stools, sofas, armchairs.
  • There are coffee tables (35cm high and 45cm high) and high tables (94cm high top of the table is 99cm).
  • There are also meeting rooms and areas; three on the ground floor with various layouts.
  • There is a meeting area on the Mezzanine floor with a clearance under the table of 70cm and the surface top at 73cm high.
  • There are adjustable chairs with armrests and a TV screen.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G and Mezzanine.
    • The stairs are located to the rear of the building.
    • The stairs are approximately 38m from the 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.
    • 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 not a landing.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the rear of the building.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G and Mezzanine.
  • There are manual, single doors which may be difficult to open to access the lift lobby on the ground floor.
  • The platform lift accesses a small level change.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 400kg.
  • The lift is approximately 37m (40yd 1ft) from the entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The lift door is manual, opens outwards and may be difficult to open.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 80cm x 142cm (2ft 7in x 4ft 8in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • 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.

Meeting Area

  • There is a meeting area on the Mezzanine floor with a clearance under the table of 70cm and the surface top at 73cm high.
  • There are adjustable chairs with arms and a TV screen.
  • There are three further meeting rooms on the ground floor with various layouts. Shown in photographs 6 to 12.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities

  • Accessible toilet facilities are located on the rear right of the building.
  • Female standard toilet facilities are located on the rear left of the building.
  • Male standard toilet facilities are located on the rear right of the building.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Right Hand Transfer with Shower)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the rear right of the building.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 44m (48yd 4in) from the 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 and pictorial 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 lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • 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 238cm x 238cm (7ft 10in x 7ft 10in).
    • 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 172cm (5ft 8in).
    • 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 push button flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • 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 good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • 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 sanitary and general waste (with lid) disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 115cm and 142cm 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 a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf has the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
    • The shelf is at a height of 102cm.
    • The shelf is located where it is reachable.
    • The toilet has a wall which acts as a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • 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 106cm (3ft 6in).
    • 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 73cm (2ft 5in).
    • 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 good.
    • 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 85cm.
    • 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 93cm.
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is poor.
    • 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 good.
  • Accessible Shower View
    • The shower does have an unobstructed minimum 150cm x 150cm turning space.
    • There is a shower unit with a detachable shower head.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The adjustable shower head can be placed between 105cm and 185cm when mounted.
    • There is a flip-down/tip-up seat for the shower.
    • The seat/chair is not height adjustable.
    • The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 50cm (1ft 8in).
    • Horizontal and/or dropdown rails are available on both sides of the shower seat.
    • The colour contrast between the shower rails and wall is good.
    • There is a vertical grab rail for the shower.
    • The colour contrast between the vertical grab rail(s) for the shower and wall is good.
    • There is an emergency alarm for the shower.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female toilet is located to the rear left of the building.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 40m from the entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • There is tactile and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
    • There are horizontal wall mounted rails available on both sides of the toilet.
    • There is a/are vertical wall mounted rail(s) on the left as you face the toilet.
    • The information above relates to the female toilet. There is a different configuration of rails in the male toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 80cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The male toilet is located to the rear right of the building.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 40m from the entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • There is tactile and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
    • There are horizontal wall mounted rails available on both sides of the toilet.
    • There is a/are vertical wall mounted rail(s) on the right as you face the toilet.
    • The information above relates to the male toilet. There is a different configuration of rails in the female toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 80cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
    • Lighting levels are good.