You are on Summary. Skip to the next section.

Summary

• Services/facilities within the venue include a library and meeting rooms.
• For the National Oceanography Centre Restaurant and Coffee Bar AccessAble Access Guide please click here (new tab).
• For the Main Building AccessAble Access Guide please click here (new tab).

You are on Opening Times. Skip to the next section.

Opening Times

• Monday 08:50 - 20:30.
• Tuesday 08:50 - 20:30.
• Wednesday 08:50 - 20:30.
• Thursday 08:50 - 20:30.
• Friday 08:50 - 20:30.
• Saturday 10:00 - 17:00.
• Sunday 10:00 - 17:00.

You are on Getting Here. Skip to the next section.

Getting Here

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• By Road View
  • The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) is located in the south central area of Southampton. The NOC can be found from joining the M27 from the M3 if you are coming from London or either directly from the M27 leaving at junction 3 and taking the M271 south. From the end of the M271 take the first exit leading to the A33 eastbound and follow signs to Dock Gate 4 and the Waterfront.
  • There is limited visitor parking outside the venue and this should be arranged via the NOC in advance. There is parking for NOC staff.
• By Bus View
  • There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the venue.
  • There is a Uni-Link Bus service which travels from Southampton Airport to the NOC. The NOC bus stop is served by routes U1A, U1C, U1E, U1W, U6C and U6H.
  • For more information on bus services, fares and timetables please click here (opens new tab).
• By Train View
  • The nearest Railway Station is Southampton Central.
  • Southampton Central is served by CrossCountry, the GWR, South Western Railway and Southern. This station is around 1 hour 30 minutes from London Waterloo Station. There is a direct bus route from this station to the NOC as well as permanent taxi ranks outside station.
  • For more information on National Rail please click here (opens new tab).
• Useful Links View
  • For more information on how to get to the National Oceanographic Centre by other means, please see the website below.
  • To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).

You are on Parking. Skip to the next section.

Parking

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• Parking View
  • The building does have its own parking facilities.
  • The car park is located at the front and side of the venue.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • The car park does not have a barrier control system.
  • The car park surface is tarmac and block paving.
  • Clearly marked/signposted parent and child parking bays are not available.
  • All parking spaces are provided on a first come first served basis.
• Blue Badge Parking View
  • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
  • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • There is/are 4 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
  • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 300cm x 500cm (9ft 10in x 16ft 5in).
  • The Blue Badge parking bays have a marked zone to both sides but not at the rear.
  • The marked zones around the Blue Badge parking bay(s) have at least the recommended width of 120cm.
  • The dimensions of other designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) vary in size.
  • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
• Paying View
  • There are no parking charges for the car park.
  • The car park is free for all users.
• Access from the Car Park View
  • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
  • Assistance may be required because there is/are dropped kerbs.
  • The entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
  • The surface on the approach to the entrance is block paving.
  • There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
  • There is no tactile paving on dropped kerbs between the car park and the entrance.
  • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 21m (22yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
• Drop-off Point(s) View
  • There is not a/are not clearly marked drop-off point(s).
• Comments View
  • Visitor parking should be pre-booked.
  • Staff parking is free with a permit controlled barrier to access the car park.

You are on Getting Help and Assistance. Skip to the next section.

Getting Help and Assistance

• There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
• There is not a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
• British Sign Language interpreters cannot be provided on request.
• The alternative formats documents can be provided in include: large print, different languages on request, large print on request and audio on request.
• There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
• There are not mobility aids available.

You are on Approach. Skip to the next section.

Approach

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• Approach View
  • The surface of the approach is block paving.
  • There is a/are fixed bollard(s) on the approach.
  • The height of the bollard(s) is 90cm.
  • The bollards contrast visually with the paving.
  • At the time of survey (10/08/22) there were barriers in place on the approach to the main entrance. The clear width between the temporary barriers and the bollards is 146cm.
  • There is step-free access on the approach.
  • There is a slope with a very easy incline.

You are on Outside Access (Main Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
  • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
  • There is step-free access at this entrance.
  • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
  • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • There is not a bell/buzzer.
  • There is an intercom.
  • The height of the intercom is 96cm (3ft 2in).
  • The main door(s) open(s) by revolving.
  • The width of the opening is 120cm.
  • There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.
• Comments View
  • There is a blue button (85cm high), located on the right of the door which slows the rotational speed of the door.
  • At the time of survey (10/08/22) there were barriers in place on either side of the entrance. The width between the barriers is 136cm.

You are on Other Floors. Skip to the next section.

Other Floors

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• Stairs View
  • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
  • The stairs are for public use.
  • The stairs are located ahead as you enter.
  • The stairs are approximately 4m from the main entrance.
  • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
  • There are 15+ steps between floors.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
  • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
  • The steps are not clearly marked.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
  • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
  • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • Handrails are easy to grip.
  • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • There is a landing.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
  • The lighting levels at the steps are moderate to good.
• Comments View
  • Similar staircases are located in each node of the building.

You are on Lift. Skip to the next section.

Lift

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located to the left as you pass reception.
• Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
• The lift is approximately 14m (15yd 11in) from the main entrance.
• The lift is a standard lift.
• A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are 1, 2 and 4.
• Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
• There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
• Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
• The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
• The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is good.
• The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is poor.
• The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 140cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 7in).
• There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
• There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
• The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
• The lift does not have an audible announcer.
• The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
• There is not a hearing loop system.
• The lift does have Braille markings.
• The lift does have tactile markings.
• The lighting levels in the lift are moderate to good.
• There is a/are similar lift(s) available.

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• Comments View
  • Similar lifts are located in each node of the building.

You are on Entrance (Library Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Library Entrance)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located on the fourth floor of the National Oceanographic Centre.
  • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
  • This entrance is signed with 'National Oceanographic Library'.
  • There is step-free access at this entrance, via lift.
  • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • There is not a bell/buzzer.
  • There is not an intercom.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
  • The main automatic door(s) is/are push pad or push button activated.
  • The push pad or push button is 75cm from floor level.
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The width of the opening is 164cm.
  • There are security barriers at this entrance.
  • The minimum width between the security barriers is 89cm.
  • There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.
• Comments View
  • Entrance currently out of use. access is via the library office. 76/75cm doors.

You are on Entrance (Temporary Library Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Temporary Library Entrance)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located on the fourth floor of the National Oceanographic Centre, through the library office.
  • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
  • This entrance is signed with 'Library entrance this way'.
  • There is step-free access at this entrance, via lift.
  • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
  • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 75cm.
  • There is a second set of doors.
  • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is/are single width.
  • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 75cm.
  • There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.
• Comments View
  • This temporary entrance was in use at time of survey (10/08/2022) due to ongoing redevelopments which had forced the normal library entrance to close.

You are on Getting Around. Skip to the next section.

Getting Around

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• Access View
  • There is step-free access throughout the area.
• Circulation View
  • There are not doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
  • There are corridors/walkways with a surface width of less than 120cm (excluding any permanent obstructions over a small distance).
  • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet.
  • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in corridors/walkways.
  • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
  • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests at regular intervals.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Access to other floors/levels is via stairs and lift.
  • For information about National Oceanography Centre Main Building please click here.
• Signage View
  • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
• Safe Place(s) View
  • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
• Audio View
  • This venue does not play background music in public areas.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system in the public areas of the building.

You are on Reception. Skip to the next section.

Reception

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• Reception View
  • The reception point is located directly beyond the entrance.
  • The reception point is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the library entrance.
  • The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step-free access to the reception point.
  • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
  • There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
  • The counter is placed in front of a plain background.
  • The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
  • The height of the reception counter is 74cm.
  • There is not sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
  • There is not a lowered section of the counter.
  • The counter is staffed.
  • Clipboards can be provided to anyone who is unable to use the desk.
  • There is a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is signed.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
  • The type of flooring in the reception area is carpet.
• Reception Seating Area View
  • There is a seating area close to the reception point.
  • Access to the seating area is unobstructed.
  • There are sofas and chairs with armrests available.
  • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the seating area.

You are on National Oceanographic Centre Library. Skip to the next section.

National Oceanographic Centre Library

• This library provides braille, audio and large print format documents on request.
• There is an ordering service for students which takes approximately 7 days.
• There are computers available with some accessible software.
• Physical aides can be ordered by library where necessary.
• There are 2 assistive technology computers located at the far left of the entrance (shown in photograph 4).
• There are scanners, height adjustable desks and coloured paper available with these computers.
• There are adjustable height chairs with a mixture of them with and without armrests.
• There is a large number phone available at one of the computer stations to contact enabling services.
• You can contact the Enabling Service on telephone 023 0859 7726 or email [email protected].
• There are computer workstations available (as shown in photographs 5, 6 & 7).
• The majority of desks are at a height of 69cm.
• There are some chairs with armrests on both sides.
• There is a minimum width of 75cm between book shelves.
• There are 5 meeting rooms available on floor 5, which is the top floor of library (shown in photographs 9 and 10).
• The meeting rooms have a mix of single and double doors which are heavy, manual and either 86cm or 172cm in width.
• There are tables and chairs with armrests.
• The height of the tables is 69cm.

You are on Other Floors. Skip to the next section.

Other Floors

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• Stairs View
  • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
  • The stairs are for public use.
  • The stairs are located just behind reception.
  • The stairs are approximately 10m from the library entrance.
  • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 2, 4 and 5.
  • There are 15+ steps between floors.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are 19cm.
  • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
  • The steps are clearly marked.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
  • Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
  • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • Handrails are easy to grip.
  • Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • There is a landing.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
  • The lighting levels at the steps are good.
• Comments View
  • At the time of survey (10/08/22) the stairs were out of use due to ongoing development works of the roof.

You are on Lift. Skip to the next section.

Lift

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located to the right as you enter, to the right of reception.
• The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
• The lift is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the library entrance.
• The lift is a standard lift.
• A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are 2, 4 and 5.
• Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
• There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
• Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
• The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
• The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is good.
• The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
• The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 140cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 7in).
• There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
• There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
• The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
• The lift does have an audible announcer.
• The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
• There is a hearing loop system.
• The lift does not have Braille markings.
• The lift does have tactile markings.
• The lighting levels in the lift are low to moderate.

You are on Accessible Toilet(s) (Ground Floor, Node 1). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Ground Floor, Node 1)

• There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.

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• Location and Access View
  • This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor in node 1, to the right as you pass reception.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 58m (63yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
• Features and Dimensions View
  • This is a shared toilet.
  • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
  • There is Braille, pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The door is light.
  • The door is locked by a locking handle.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 89cm.
  • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 162cm x 216cm (5ft 4in x 7ft 1in).
  • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • The toilet has not got a non-slip floor.
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
  • The lateral transfer space is 91cm.
  • The transfer space is obstructed by female sanitary 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.
  • There is an emergency alarm.
  • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
  • There is a/are non-infectious waste and female sanitary disposal units.
  • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
• Position of Fixtures View
  • 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.
  • 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 next to the toilet.
  • The toilet has a backrest and a cistern.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 43cm (1ft 5in).
  • 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 85cm (2ft 9in).
  • There is a wash basin.
  • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • The height of the wash basin is 75cm (2ft 6in).
  • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the left hand side of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin tap type is lever.
  • There is a mixer tap.
  • Taps have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
  • There is a soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the soap dispenser is 96cm.
  • There is a towel dispenser.
  • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the towel dispenser is 140cm (4ft 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 105cm (3ft 5in).
• Colour Contrast and Lighting View
  • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
  • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
  • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is poor.
  • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is fair.
  • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
• Baby Changing Facilities View
  • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
  • The baby change table is not set against the wall, permanently fixed at 75cm from the floor.
  • The baby change table is not height adjustable.
  • The height of the baby change table once extended is 100cm (3ft 3in).

You are on Standard Toilet(s). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s)

• Standard toilet facilities are available.

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• Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
  • The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the ground floor, in node 1.
  • The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 56m (61yd 9in) from the main entrance.
  • There is step-free access into the female toilet(s).
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
  • An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is not available.
  • There is not a lowered wash basin.
  • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever twist.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
  • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • There is a/are similar standard toilet(s) available.
• Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
  • The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the ground floor, in node 2.
  • The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 87m (95yd 5in) from the main entrance.
  • There is step-free access into the male toilet(s).
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • There is not a lowered urinal.
  • An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is not available.
  • There is a lowered wash basin.
  • The height of the lowered wash basin is 77cm.
  • There are no vertical wall-mounted grab rails at the lowered wash basin.
  • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever twist.
  • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
  • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • There is a/are similar standard toilet(s) available.

You are on Related Access Guides. Skip to the next section.

Related Access Guides

• To view other AccessAble Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
• National Oceanography Centre Main Building link (new tab) - click here