Skip to main content

John Owens Building

The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Introduction

Opening Times

  • Monday 06:45 - 17:30.
  • Tuesday 06:45 - 17:30.
  • Wednesday 06:45 - 17:30.
  • Thursday 06:45 - 17:30.
  • Friday 06:45 - 17:30.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • The University of Manchester is located in the centre of Manchester just off the A57(M) between Upper Brook Street (A34) and the Higher Cambridge Street (A5067).
    • There are multiple permit holder only car parks around the university campus. There is a NCP car park located on the North East corner of the campus, just of Upper Brook Street. This car park is the Manchester Aquatics Centre NCP and charges apply for all users. There are multiple blue badge permit holder car parks located around the campus.
  • By Bus View
    • There are multiple bus stops throughout the campus along Oxford Road. There are bus stops outside the Kilburn Building, Manchester Aquatics Centre and Stopford Building, these stops are served by routes 15, 18, 41, 42, 42A, 42B, 43, 53, 111, 142, 143, 147, 191, 197, 746, V4, Vantage V1 and Vantage V2.
  • By Train View
    • The nearest train station is the Manchester Oxford Road station. This train station is approximately 700m from the centre of the university campus, this takes approximately 10 minutes to complete on foot. The Manchester Oxford Road station is served by the East Midlands Trains, Transpennine Express, Northern and Transport for Wales services.
  • Useful Links View

Useful Information

Building Parking (Rear Quadrangle)

  • The building does have its own dedicated parking.
  • Building Car Park View
    • The car park can be used by permit holders, Blue Badge holders, staff permit holders and student permit holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • The car park is located to the rear of the building in the Rear Quadrangle.
    • 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) markings are faded.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 250cm x 600cm (8ft 2in x 19ft 8in).
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
    • The nearest designated bay is 11m (12yd 1in) from the Rear Quadrangle 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 not have tactile paving.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • There is standard parking at the rear of the building, as shown in photographs 5, 6 and 7.
    • There is two signed Blue Badge bays at the front of the building in the Old Quadrangle, as shown in photograph 8.
    • These bays do not have clear markings.
    • Access to the Old Quadrangle is via Burlington street and is by prior arrangement only.

Site/Campus Car Park (Car Park F)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located off Dilworth Street.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Academy and the Ellen Wilkinson 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 signposted but have no markings.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by permit holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • Signs are provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
    • Signs are clearly presented.
    • Payment machines are located at the car park exit.
    • 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 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 ramped access to the car park from the Academy.
    • This car park is not clearly signposted from the Academy.
    • The nearest designated bay is 120m (131yd 8in) from the Ellen Wilkinson C Block entrance.

Outside Access (Accessible Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the venue.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • A key fob is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the card reader/lock is 116cm (3ft 10in).
    • 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 single.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 108cm (3ft 7in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is / are permanently held open (at the time of the survey).
    • The width of the door opening is 147cm (4ft 10in).
  • Comments View
    • The ground immediately in front of the is entrance is uneven, as shown in photograph 4.

Outside Access (Front 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 not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • A key fob is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the card reader/lock is 125cm (4ft 1in).
    • There is 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 double (with one leaf locked).
    • The door(s) is / are permanently held open (at the time of the survey).
    • The width of the door opening is 83cm (2ft 9in).
  • 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 push pad activated when entering.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 150cm (4ft 11in).
  • 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.
  • Comments View
    • The card reader and the intercom is located between the first and second entrance doors, as shown in photograph 3.
    • This entrance leads to the entrance foyer between the lower and the ground floor.

Lift (Entrance Lift - Platform)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located opposite the front entrance.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are entrance foyer, G.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 400kg.
  • The lift is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the front entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 94cm (3ft 1in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 96cm x 140cm (3ft 2in 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 not 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.

Entrance (Beyer Building Entrance Link - Internal Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the right off the main corridor on the lower ground floor.
    • 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 117cm (3ft 10in).
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • 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 6 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The handrails are on the left going up the step(s).

Entrance (Eddie Newcomb Building Link - Internal Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the left off the main corridor on the lower ground floor.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The width of the door opening is 95cm (3ft 1in).
  • Comments View
    • This door requires a key fob when entering from the Eddie Newcomb building.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the majority of the building, via lift.
    • There is/are 6 clearly marked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to The finance department - income office.
    • The step(s) is/are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • Photograph 1 shows the steps that lead to the finance department located on the ground floor to the right of the main lift as you exit.
    • 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 good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • This building does not play background music.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Comments View
    • The double doors in the corridors open automatically.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG, G, 1 and 2.
    • The stairs are located opposite and to the right of the accessible entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 5m from the accessible entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
    • The steps are not 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 staircase to the left and right in the lower ground and ground floor corridors,
      Some of the stairs are clearly marked and some are not.
      There is two additional staircases on the first floor leading to the legal directorate on the second floor, shown in photographs 4, 5, 6, and 7.
      These stairs are deep and clearly marked, with hand rails to the left.
      There are more additional deep clearly marked stairs leading down to the MLG level, these can be seen in photographs 8 and 9.
  • Other View
    • The area(s)/service(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are the Finance Department Income Office on the ground floor - the Legal Directorate.

Lift (Standard)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located opposite and to the left of the main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG, G and 1.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 630kg.
  • The lift is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the accessible entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 138cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 6in).
  • 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 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.

Standard Shower

  • Shower facilities are available.
  • The shower(s) surveyed is/are located off the main corridor on the lower ground floor to the right as you enter the building.
  • There is level access to the services from the shower facilities.
  • Comments View
    • This area is located to the right of the female standard toilet on the lower ground floor.
    • The shower is accessed via a 29cm step, as shown in photograph 1.
    • The shower head is adjustable, as shown in photograph 2.
    • There is a wall mounted hall rail to the left outside the shower cubicle, as shown in photograph 3.

Accessible Toilet (Lower Ground Floor)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the accessible entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located off the main corridor to the right as you enter the building.
    • 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 outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The door is light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 176cm x 152cm (5ft 9in x 4ft 12in).
    • 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 93cm (3ft 1in).
    • 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 lever.
    • There is 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 and open waste paper bin 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 not 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 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 119cm (3ft 11in).
    • 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).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 110cm.
  • 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.

Accessible Toilet (First Floor)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is no signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located opposite the lift on the first floor next to the female standard toilet.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 128cm x 234cm (4ft 2in x 7ft 8in).
    • 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 70cm (2ft 4in).
    • 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 female sanitary and open waste paper bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 160cm and 175cm from the floor.
  • 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 not 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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • 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).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 92cm.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a low 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 good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Location of Standard Toilet(s) View
    • There are male and female standard toilets facilities on the lower ground floor.
    • There are male standard toilets facilities on the first floor.
    • There are female standard toilets facilities on the second floor.
  • Standard Toilet Surveyed View
    • A male standard toilet was surveyed.
    • The toilet surveyed is located off the main corridor to the left as you enter the building from the accessible entrance.
    • 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 10m from the accessible 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.
  • Comments View
    • Photographs 3 and 4 show the female standard toilet on the lower ground floor. Photographs 5 and 6 show the universal toilet on the lower ground floor.
  • Comments View
    • Photographs 3 and 4 show the female standard toilet on the lower ground floor. Photographs 5 and 6 show the universal toilet on the lower ground floor.