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Birkbeck Malet Street

Birkbeck University of London, Torrington Square Entrance, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HX

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Access Guide

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Overview

Getting Inside

  • The approach to the building at the main entrance is step-free via a ramp that varies between slight and steep from either Torrington Square or Byng Place. Both ramps have resting areas.
  • Birkbeck Malet Street has one entrance. The main entrance provides step-free level access to the ground floor and main reception of the building.
  • The main entrance is signed as 'Birkbeck'.

Getting Around

  • There is step-free level access throughout most of the building on all floors. There are some small level changes including steps and slopes throughout that are detailed in this guide.
  • On Level B, there is a steep slope to rooms B18 and B20. On this level there are also steps, but these can be bypassed by using a combination of Lifts B and C.
  • On Level G, there is a slight slope down to Biological Sciences.
  • Lift A provides step-free level access to levels B, G, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7. Stair A provides stepped access to all levels (B-7). Lift B provides step-free level access to levels B-5. Stair B provides stepped access to levels B-6. Lift C provides step-free level access to all levels (B-7). Stair C provides stepped access to all levels (B-7). Stair D provides stepped access to levels B-4. Stair E provides stepped access to levels B-5.
  • Some floor surfaces are hard and smooth with a shiny finish, whilst others are carpeted and smooth with a patterned finish.
  • There are resting areas in some circulation and lobby areas with a mixture of seating.
  • Overhead and wall mounted wayfinding signage is provided throughout the building.
  • There are manual doors in some circulation routes but mostly just to access stairwells.
  • There are several other steps and platform lifts throughout the building that have been detailed in this guide ('Platform Lift - Stair A - Level 3'; 'Platform Lift - Level 3 - Lower Level 3'; 'Stairs - Level 1 - Upper Level 1'; 'Stairs - Level 2 - Lower Level 2 (Rooms 256-260 and 268-272)'; and 'Stairs - Lower Level 2 - Level 2 (Rooms 261-263 and 264-267)').

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There are 8 toilets with adaptations.
    • Toilets with adaptations are located on each floor of the building.
    • The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.
    • The male and female step-free toilet facilities are located on Levels B, G, 1, 4, 5, 6 and 7.
    • The gender inclusive step-free toilet facilities are located on Level B.
    • The male and female toilet facilities are located on Level 2.

Rooms and Services in the Building

Parking

  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.
  • On-street Parking View
    • On-street standard parking is available .
    • Standard on-street parking is for resident permit holders CA-E. These restrictions apply Monday - Saturday between 8:30am - 6:30pm.
      Holders of the London Borough of Camden's Green Badge can also park in any shared use loading bays, shared use disabled bays, resident's bays and paid for parking bays.
      For more information on the Green Badge Scheme, and how Blue Badge holders can apply for a Green Badge, please see the London Borough of Camden website.

Entrance (Main Entrance)

  • This entrance is located at the front of the building.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via slope at the entrance.
  • The slope gradient varies between slight and steep.
  • The ramp is over 150cm wide with handrails on both sides.
  • The slope bypasses the steps.
  • There are 7 steps with handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are easy to grip.
  • The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrails extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The step markings are not clearly visible.
  • The height of the steps is not between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 14cm.
  • The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
  • There is a single automatic door at this entrance.
  • The door is permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 90cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The door has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a second single automatic door.
  • The second door opens towards you.
  • The push pad for the automatic doors is at a height of 106cm.
  • The width of the opening is 87cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The second door has a low visual contrast.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Reception (Main Reception)

  • The reception is located ahead as you enter the building.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 5m.
  • There is step-free level access to reception.
  • The height of the reception desk is 120cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the desk.
  • The height of the lowered section is 83cm.
  • There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
  • There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the time of day.
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

Lift (Lift B)

  • The lift surveyed is located to the right of the main reception and at the end of the corridor.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 40m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has a slight ramp or slope and doors permanently held open.
  • B - 5 are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a high visual contrast.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The external lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 95cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 160cm (width) x 157cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
  • Some of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing, a hearing assistance alarm system, a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer and a list of floor services/facilities.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
  • There are other lifts available at this location which are of a similar size.
  • Lift C covers all floors of the building but it was out of use at the time of the survey so could not be surveyed (07/04/25).

Lift (Lift A)

  • The lift surveyed is located to the left of the main reception and ahead.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 15m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • B, G, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a high visual contrast.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The external lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 99cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 158cm (width) x 170cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
  • Some of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing, a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer and a list of floor services/facilities.
  • There are other lifts available at this location which are of a similar size.

Stairs (Stair A)

  • The stairs surveyed are located to the left of the main reception.
  • There are permanently held open doors to access the stairwell.
  • B - 7 can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 20+ steps between floors.
  • The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are easy to grip.
  • The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 16cm.
  • The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

Lift (Platform Lift - Stair A - Level 3)

  • The lift surveyed is located on Level 3 of Stair A.
  • This lift is a platform lift.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 80m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has a platform lift, a slight ramp or slope and doors permanently held open.
  • Lower Level 3 - Level 3 are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a high visual contrast.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The external lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 93cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 100cm (width) x 140cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
  • All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift is slow moving and the button needs to be pressed constantly when in use.
  • Internally the lift has: a separate door to exit and a list of floor services/facilities.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Lift (Platform Lift - Level 3 - Lower Level 3)

  • The lift surveyed is located to the right as you exit Lift B.
  • This lift is a platform lift.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 35m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has a slight ramp or slope and doors permanently held open.
  • Level 3 - Lower Level 3 are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift does not have a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The external lift control buttons have a high visual contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 76cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 80cm (width) x 82cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have a high visual contrast.
  • None of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a separate door to exit.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
  • This platform lift was out of use at the time of the survey (07/04/25).

Stairs (Level 3 - Lower Level 3)

  • The stairs surveyed are located on Level 3, to the right after exiting Lift B.
  • Level 3 - Lower Level 3 can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 6 steps between floors.
  • The steps are clearly marked and have a handrail on the left going up.
  • The handrail is easy to grip.
  • The handrail covers the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrail does not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 16cm.
  • The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

Stairs (Level 1 - Upper Level 1)

  • The stairs surveyed are located on Level 1, to the right as you exit Lift B.
  • There is a single manual door to access the stairwell.
  • Level 1 - Upper Level 1 can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 7 steps between floors.
  • The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are easy to grip.
  • The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 18cm.
  • The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
  • This staircase accesses rooms 109, 110, 150 and the Library.

Stairs (Level 2 - Lower Level 2 - Rooms 256-260 and 268-272)

  • The stairs surveyed are located on Level 2, ahead and to the right as you exit Lift B.
  • Level 2 - Lower Level 2 can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 4 steps between floors.
  • The steps have faded markings and have handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are easy to grip.
  • The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The height of the steps is not between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 19cm.
  • The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

Stairs (Lower Level 2 - Level 2 - Rooms 261-263 and 264-267)

  • The stairs surveyed are located on Lower Level 2, ahead and to the right as you exit Lift B.
  • Lower Level 2 - Level 2 can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 2 steps between floors.
  • The steps have faded markings and have handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are easy to grip.
  • The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The height of the steps is not between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 11cm.
  • The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located to the left of the main reception on the ground floor.
    • The distance from the main entrance is 14m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 89cm.
    • The door has a locking handle (with a RADAR key to access).
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a medium visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 148cm (width) x 212cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 82cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a wall sensor flush on the wall above the cistern.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is no vertical grab rail for the toilet.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a medium visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 45cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
    • The toilet has a padded backrest.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 117cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 73cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a sensor tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 90cm from the floor.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 84cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a full length mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are no coat hooks.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.