Access Guide
Summary
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Building
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- Services / Facilities within the building include; undergraduate accommodation on two levels - 'B' Curve, and 'C' Curve - with shared kitchenettes, toilets and showers.
Accommodation Summary
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Parking and Transport
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- The accommodation shares another buildings parking facilities.
- No secure parking is available.
- Parking is by permit only. Visitors must register their details at reception.
- There is not a designated drop off point.
- There is not a university bus service stop within approximately 200 metres of the residence.
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Residence Information
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- This residence is made up of 2-storey residential block buildings.
- The residence surveyed was Curve Block.
- There is level access to the Main Block ground floor (level B) and stepped access only to B Curve, and C Curve via the Common Stairs - Curve End.
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Accessible Accommodation Information
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- The accommodation has 80 rooms in total.
- There is not an/are not accessible room(s) within the accommodation.
- Accessible toilet facilities are not available.
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Standard Accommodation Information
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- There is standard accommodation on the ground floor.
- Ground floor accommodation does not have level access.
- There are standard rooms on other floors.
- The other floors cannot be accessed by lift.
- Standard accommodation has shared bathrooms with stepped shower cubicles.
- There is not an/are not adjoining room(s) available for the standard room(s).
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Amenities and Communal Facilities
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- There is not a convenience store within approximately 200 metres of the residence.
- Communal facilities within this residence include a staffed reception, a launderette, a common room, a recreation room, a bar and a study area.
- The communal facilities for the accommodation surveyed include; a kitchen.
- The college is a catered college. Meals are normally taken in the main dining hall during term time.
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Additional Accessibility Aids
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- There is a deaf alert system available on request.
- Vibrating pillows alarms are available on request.
- Bed raisers are not available on request.
- Portable hoists are not available on request.
Getting Here (St Aidan's College)
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By Road
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- St Aidan's College is located on Mill Hill Lane, off Elvet Hill Road, off the A177 South Road.
The A177 links the "Cock o the North" Roundabout on the A167 Darlington Road with the south side of the City Centre. - There are several car parks located throughout the College site, which require a permit to park. Permits can be issued to visitors on request.
There is additional parking on Mill Hill Lane at the Mill Hill Car Park for permit holders with a Blue Badge bay, opposite the end of the Lindisfarne Centre access road.
There is public parking at the Howlands Park and Ride on South Road, which will involve a 650m walk to the college via South College. - For more information on the location of the college please click here (opens new tab).
- St Aidan's College is located on Mill Hill Lane, off Elvet Hill Road, off the A177 South Road.
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By Bus
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- There is not a bus stop within 150 metres of the campus.
- The nearest bus stops are on South Road near the end of Elvet Hill Road, South Road Colleges stops, approximately 550m from the college, served by bus routes 6, S1 and N21.
In addition the PR2 bus service links the Howlands Park and Ride car park with the city centre. - For more information on the bus routes 6, S1 and N21 to the South Road Colleges please click here (opens new tab).
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By Train
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- The nearest Railway Station is Durham.
- Durham Railway Station is located approximately 2.1Km (1.3 miles) to the north of the college, on the far side of the city centre and River Wear.
Buses run from outside the station to the city centre.
This station is a category A station and has step free access to all platforms.
Interchange between the platforms is via a subway.
Lift access is available to the subway from both platforms. - For more information on trains to Durham please click here (opens new tab).
- For more information on Durham Railway Station please click here (opens new tab).
Useful Information
- Disability Support is located on the ground floor in the Palatine Centre, and provides information, advice and guidance to prospective and current students who disclose a disability as well as students who think they may have a disability.
The service is part of the Student Support and Wellbeing Directorate. - To see more information on Disability Support please click here (opens new tab).
- To see more information on Student Support and Wellbeing please click here (opens new tab).
- To see more information on Applying To Durham please click here (opens new tab).
- To see more information on College Accommodation and Facilities please click here (opens new tab).
- To see more information on Accommodation and Allocations Office please click here (opens new tab).
Building Parking
- The building does have its own dedicated parking.
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Building Car Park
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- The car park can be used by Blue Badge holders, visitors and permit holders.
- There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
- The car park is located on Windmill Hill.
- 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 and signposted.
- The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 280cm x 480cm.
- The Blue Badge parking bays have a marked zone to one side but not at the rear.
- The marked zone is 120cm wide.
- 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 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- The route from the car park to the building is accessible to a wheelchair user.
- The car park surface is tarmac and block paving.
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Site/Campus Car Parks
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- There is not a site/campus car park within approximately 200m.
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Public Car Parks
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- There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
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Drop Off Point
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- There is not a designated drop off point.
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Comments
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- There is additional permit holder parking at the end of Windmill Hill behind the bar and loading bay, and by the Lindisfarne Centre and the rear of Houses N to Q off the separate access road from Mill Hill Lane.
- Visitors without a permit should register their vehicle details at the reception.
Approach (Main Entrance)
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Approach
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- The surface of the approach is tarmac and concrete tiles.
- There is a/are fixed bollard(s) on the approach .
- The bollard(s) has/have a high visual contrast to prevent them being hazardous to visually impaired people.
- There is a black barrier and orange bollard at this entrance.
- There is step-free access on the approach.
- There is a slope with a very easy incline.
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Ramp/Slope
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- There is a ramp/slope on the approach.
Outside Access (Main Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located at the side of the building on Windmill Hill by the car park.
- This entrance gives access to main reception, common areas, straight and curved blocks.
- The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
- There is step-free access at this entrance.
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
- The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 109cm.
- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 115cm.
- There is a slope with a very easy incline.
Outside Access (Rear Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located in the loading bay to the far right of the building.
- This entrance gives access to the ground floor (level B) main corridor at the curve block end.
- The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
- There is stepped access at this entrance.
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
- The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- 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 width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 100cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The width of the door opening is 86cm.
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Step(s)
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- The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
- There is/are 4 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the step(s) is/are 15cm.
- The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the step(s).
- 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 not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
Reception (Main Reception)
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Reception
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- The reception point is located on the right as you enter via the main entrance.
- The reception point is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main 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 at/behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
- The lighting levels at the reception point are moderate to good.
- The height of the reception counter is 77cm.
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- There is not a lowered section of the counter.
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
- There is a clear knee recess beneath the counter.
- The counter is staffed.
- There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
- There is wayfinding signage available at/close to the reception.
- The type of flooring in the reception area is tiles.
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Reception Waiting Area
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- There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.
Other Floors (Common Stairs - Curve Block)
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Stairs
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- Stairs can be used to access other floors.
- The stairs are located on the main corridor at the Curve Block end.
- The stairs are approximately 80m from the main entrance.
- Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are B Curve, Ground, C Curve, First.
- 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 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 not 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 provided on landings.
- The lighting levels at the steps are moderate to good.
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Other Information
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- The area(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are B Curve, C Curve, Level C.
Entrance (B Curve)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located on the Common Stairs - Curve Block, level B Curve.
- This entrance gives access to B Curve corridor.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- This entrance is signed with 'B Curve - Residents Only'.
- There is stepped access at this entrance.
- The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is not an intercom.
- A key is required for access at this entrance.
- The height of the key lock is 95cm.
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 88cm.
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Step(s)
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- The step(s) is/are located to the left of the entrance as part of the Common Stairs - Curve Block.
- There is/are 9 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
- The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
- Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
- Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- Handrails are not easy to grip.
- Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
- The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.
Entrance (C Curve)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located on the Common Stairs - Curve Block, level C Curve.
- This entrance gives access to the C Curve corridor.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- This entrance is signed with 'C Curve - Residents Only'.
- There is stepped access at this entrance.
- The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is not an intercom.
- A key is required for access at this entrance.
- The height of the key lock is 95cm.
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 88cm.
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Step(s)
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- The step(s) is/are located to the left of the entrance, up from the Main Block ground floor (level B).
- There is/are 9 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
- The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
- Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
- Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- Handrails are not easy to grip.
- Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
- The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.
Getting Around
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Access
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- There is not step-free access throughout the building .
- There is stepped access to the B Curve corridor and C Curve corridor accommodation.
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Circulation
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- There are doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
- The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet.
- There is high visual contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
- There are no seats/chairs at regular intervals.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
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Signage
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- Wayfinding signage is not provided.
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Safe Place(s)
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- There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
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Audio
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- This venue does not play background music in communal areas.
- There is not a hearing assistance system in the communal areas of the building.
Other Floors (C Curve)
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Stairs
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- Stairs can be used to access other floors.
- The stairs are located on the main corridors in the Curve Block.
- The stairs are approximately 30m from the B Curve entrance.
- Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are B Curve, C Curve.
- 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 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 not easy to grip.
- Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
- The lighting levels at the steps are moderate to good.
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Other Information
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- The area(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are B Curve and C Curve.
- There is a similar staircase at the far end of the Curve Block. Both staircases give stepped access down to a fire escape at ground floor level.
Kitchen/Dining Area (B Curve)
- The kitchen/dining area is accessed by a single door with an opening width of over 75cm.
- Lowered work surfaces are not available.
- The kitchen does not have an unobstructed floor space of at least 150cm × 150cm.
- There is not a knee recess under a work surface.
- There are low level cupboards.
- There is a breakfast bar 93cm to the top surface in some kitchens.
- There are similar kitchens on B Curve and C Curve.
Standard Toilet(s)
- Standard toilet facilities are not available.
- The nearest standard toilet(s) is/are located on the ground floor (level B) of the Main Block.
Toilet with Adaptations
- There is not an/are not accessible toilet(s) available.
- The nearest accessible toilet(s) is/are located on the ground floor (level B) of the Main Block.
