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Students' Union - Gun House

Cambridge Road, Portsmouth, Hants, PO1 2EF

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Access Guide

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Introduction

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • Take the M275 into Portsmouth. From the end of the M275, follow signs for 'Historic Waterfront/Seafront'. Cross three roundabouts to the traffic lights by Unicorn Gate (entrance to the naval dockyard). These are the traffic lights at the top of the Guildhall Campus map (see link to Maps and Directions Page below).
    • This building has its own car park, for permit holders only. Visitors can apply for a permit to park here in advance if required.
  • By Bus View
    • Bus routes 19, The Star 7, and the coach 700 Coastliner all stop on Cambridge Road, outside the Students' Union. There is also a University bus, linking the Langstone campus with the Guildhall Campus, which stops here.
  • By Train View
    • Portsmouth and Southsea station is located just to the north of the Guildhall Campus, approximately half a mile from this building. From the station entrance, turn left and pass under the railway lines. Cross Isambard Brunel Road, pass through the gap in the building and then cross Guildhall Square. Continue along Guildhall Walk until it meets Winston Churchill Avenue, then turn right. Cross King Richard I Road and turn left. This road becomes Hampshire Terrace. Follow this until it meets Wiltshire Street, then turn right. Cross St Michael's Road, and the building will be in front of you. Portsmouth and Southsea is served by trains from London Waterloo and Victoria, as well as South Wales, Bristol and stations along the South Coast.
  • Useful Links View

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does have its own dedicated parking.
  • Building Car Park View
    • The car park can be used by permit holders.
    • The car park is located to the rear 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 2 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 250cm x 450cm (8ft 2in x 14ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
    • The nearest designated bay is 35m (38yd 10in) from the main entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the building is accessible to a wheelchair user unaided.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • 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 to the rear of the Students' Union Main Building.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped 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) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 170cm (5ft 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 to the right as you face the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
    • The ramp does have handrails.
    • The handrails are on both sides.
  • 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 7 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • There is 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 have handrails.
    • The handrails are on both sides.
  • Comments View
    • There are 3 deep steps that lead to the halfway point of the ramp.
    • The steps are located to the right of the entrance.

Outside Access (Staff Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off the car park.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the card reader/lock is 130cm (4ft 3in).
    • 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 double (with one leaf locked).
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 63cm (2ft 1in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The 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 86cm (2ft 10in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located between the first and second set of doors.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
    • The ramp does not have handrails.

Outside Access (Café Coco)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on St Michael's Road.
    • 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) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The door(s) is/are easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 81cm (2ft 8in).
  • 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 6 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • There is 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 have handrails.
    • The handrails are on both sides.
  • Comments View
    • Access from the left of the entrance is a slope with a very easy incline.
    • Access from the right of the entrance is stepped.

Lift (Students' Main Building)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the rear of the building.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the rear 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 96cm x 139cm (3ft 2in 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.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The lift has 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 good.

Entrance (First Floor Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the first floor link bridge.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 180cm (5ft 11in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 196cm (6ft 5in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located between the first and second set of doors.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
    • The ramp does not have handrails.
  • Comments View
    • This entrance provides step-free access to the Business and Events Office and the Marketing and Communications Office.

Reception (The Union Student Advice Service)

  • The Union Student Advice Service is located to the right as you enter.
  • The desk is 6m (6yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • The reception area is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to this reception area.
  • The lighting levels in the reception area are good.
  • The reception desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • There is not a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is not a bell to attract attention.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is signed.
  • Staff are not trained to use the hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested on 03/01/2024.
  • The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the majority of the building.
    • There is a slight ramp, with no handrails, for access to the additional seating area within Cafe Coco.
    • The width of the ramp is 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • The ramp can be seen in the photographs.
    • There are doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
  • Getting Around View
    • There is not 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 varied.
    • This building does play background music.
    • Music is played within Cafe Coco.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Eating and Drinking (Cafe Coco)

  • 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.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the Cafe Coco entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 65cm (2ft 2in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • The standard height for tables is 74cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Menus are wall only.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is hot food and snacks.

Opening Times (Cafe Coco)

  • Monday 08:30 - 15:00.
  • Tuesday 08:30 - 15:00.
  • Wednesday 08:30 - 15:00.
  • Thursday 08:30 - 15:00.
  • Friday 08:30 - 15:00.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1.
    • 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 good.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on the right going up.
    • There is a landing.
    • There is a similar staircase with handrails on the right leading from the staff entrance as shown in the photographs.
  • Other View
    • The area(s)/service(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are The Finance and Central Admin Office and Catering Services.
  • Comments View
    • The door to access the main staircase on the ground floor requires a key card to access.
    • There is also a small slope leading to it.
    • Before reaching the first floor on the main staircase there is a landing on which there is a small kitchen and the shared standard toilets.
    • There is also a separate set of stairs leading to Catering Services.
    • After two more deep steps there is the Finance Office which is followed by 4 more deep steps leading to the first floor, shown in the photographs.

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 10m (10yd 2ft) from the Cafe Coco Entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located in the upper area of Cafe Coco.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 218cm (4ft 11in x 7ft 2in).
    • 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 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • 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 fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are 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 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 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 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 poor.
    • There is a poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Comments View
    • There is a baby change table at a height of 79cm.
    • There is level access to the toilet from the main entrance.
    • From the Cafe Coco entrance there is an easy ramp to reach the toilet.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Location of Standard Toilet(s) View
    • There are male and female standard toilets facilities on the ground floor.
    • There are shared standard toilets facilities on the first floor.
  • Standard Toilet Surveyed View
    • A male standard toilet was surveyed.
    • The toilet surveyed is located in Cafe Coco.
    • There is a female standard toilet in the same location.
    • The standard toilet surveyed is approximately 10m from the Cafe Coco 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.
    • The step(s) is / are located in front of the toilets.
    • There is/are 2 step(s).
    • The step(s) is / are medium.
    • The steps do not have handrails.