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Common Grounds

Boldon House, Durham University, Wheatlands Way, Pity Me, Durham, DH1 5FA

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Access Guide

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Access To

  • Common Grounds is located on Level 0 to the right as you enter via the main entrance of Boldon House.
  • View information on Boldon House (opens new tab) .
  • View information on opening times.
  • The most accessible route has doors permanently held open and step-free level access.
  • There is written text signage on or near the entrance.
  • There is step-free level access to enter the café .
  • There are double manual doors which are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 122cm.
  • The doors have a high visual contrast.

Eating and Drinking (Common Grounds)

  • Service View
    • This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered and designated seating.
    • Full table service is not available.
    • Menus are wall-mounted.
    • The following dietary requirements can be catered for: lactose free, dairy free, nut allergy, vegan, vegetarian and gluten free.
    • The following are available: drinking straws, takeaway cutlery and takeaway cups.
    • There is a portable hearing assistance system which is not clearly signed.
    • The hearing assistance system could not be tested at the time of the survey.
    • Portable IR hearing assistance headphones are available from the Boldon House main reception for use in the flexible space and Common Grounds café.
  • Order and Payment View
    • The service counter was surveyed.
    • The counter is located to the left as you enter.
    • There is step-free level access to the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 91cm.
    • There is a lowered section at the counter.
    • The height of the lowered section is 85cm.
    • The counter has a television and patterned/distracting backgrounds.
  • Seating Area View
    • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
    • Some flooring is shiny.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Seating available in this area includes: high stools, armchairs, sofas, chairs without armrests and chairs with armrests.
    • Furniture available in this area includes: tables, coffee tables and high tables.
    • The surface height of some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • The clear height under some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • There is background noise in this area.
    • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There is 1 toilet with adaptations.
    • The toilet with adaptations is located on the left as you enter the café .
    • All toilets with adaptations have a left hand transfer space.
    • The gender inclusive step-free toilet facilities are located on the left as you enter the café .
  • Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
    • Parent and baby changing facilities are located in the toilet facilities off the Boldon House main reception foyer.

Toilet with Adaptations (Common Grounds - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located on Level 0 in the Common Grounds café to the right as you enter the café.
    • The distance from the café entrance is 5m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial, written text and tactile signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 85cm.
    • The door has a lever twist lock.
    • 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 165cm (width) x 236cm (depth) and there is 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 85cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a spatula flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a medium visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a medium visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a medium visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
    • 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 104cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 72cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a medium 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 94cm 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 102cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a sanitary bin.
    • There is one coat hook.
    • The coat hook is 142cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor have a low visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.