Skip to main content
The new name for DisabledGo

Search for accessible places to go

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Orwell Terrace Student Accommodation

Orwell Terrace, Edinburgh, EH11 2DY

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Accommodation Overview

  • About View
    • Orwell Terrace is located to the west of the city, near Fountain Park Leisure Centre.
    • There are 4 similar blocks of flats with single and shared ensuite bedrooms. Caerketton House, Scold Law House, Carnethy House and East Kip House.
    • The shared bedrooms with ensuite are in Scold Law House.
    • There are a total of 36 flats with 233 bedrooms in total.
    • There are 2 ensuite bedrooms with adaptations, and 4 others with limited adaptations dependent on need.
    • The 2 fully accessible bedrooms are in Flat 1, Carnethy House.
    • 6 rooms with adaptations have an ensuite with a wheel-in shower.
    • Standard accommodation has ensuites with stepped shower cubicles.
  • Parking and Public Transport View
    • The venue has its own car park, with Blue Badge parking available.
    • There is a public car park nearby.
    • The name of the nearest car park is Fountain Park on Dundee Street.
    • View information on Fountain Park (opens new tab) .
    • The nearest train station is Edinburgh Haymarket.
    • The nearest tram stop is Haymarket.
    • The nearest bus station is Edinburgh Bus Station.
    • View information on getting here (opens new tab) .
    • There are no parking facilities at any of our sites except for students who have a blue badge.

Parking

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located at the entrance to the accommodation blocks.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
    • There is 1 designated Blue Badge parking bay available.
    • The Blue Badge bay is clearly marked.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 250cm (width) x 480cm (depth).
    • There is a marked zone to one side but not at the rear.
    • The width of the marked zone is 120cm.
    • The nearest designated bay is 30m from the reception entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has step-free level access, a slight ramp or slope and uneven surfaces.
    • There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
    • There are no parking facilities at any of the accommodation sites except for students who have a blue badge.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for staff and Blue Badge holders only.
    • Parking is free for all users.
    • Clearly presented parking signs are not available.
    • Please note that there is a padlocked chain across the entrance to restrict access.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.
  • On-street Parking View
    • On-street standard parking is available.
    • On street parking near the accommodation is residential parking permit holders only.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is a public car park located by the Fountainhead Leisure Centre.
    • The name of the car park is Fountainhead car park.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available in the car park.

Getting Inside

  • The approach to the accommodation blocks is step-free and with a very slight slope from the Orwell Terrace end of the site, and stepped access only from the footpath approach at the south end of the site.
  • There are four accommodation blocks, each with it's own entrance. There is step-free and level access into Carnethy House and Scold Law House, and step-free with a slight slope access to East Kip House and Caerketon House.
  • The entrances are signed by the block name Carnethy House, Scold Law House, East Kip House and Caerketon House.
  • The accessible entrance described provides step-free level access to the foyer of Carnethy House.

Reception Entrance

  • This entrance is located at the front of East Kip House.
  • The approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via slope at the entrance.
  • The slope has a slight gradient.
  • There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 130cm.
  • There is an entry system at a height of 130cm.
  • There is a single manual door at this entrance.
  • The door opens towards you.
  • The door requires effort to 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 push pad or push button to exit at a height of 106cm.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Reception

  • The reception is located on the ground floor of East Kip House.
  • The distance from the Reception entrance is 1m.
  • There is step-free level access to reception.
  • The corridor in front of the reception desk is 140cm wide. A turning space over 150xm x 150cm is available further along the corridor in front of the lift.
  • The height of the reception desk is 105cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the desk.
  • The reception has windows and glazed screens.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
  • The reception is open during the following hours:-
  • Monday 2-5pm
  • Tuesday CLOSED
  • Wednesday 9am-12pm
  • Thursday CLOSED
  • Friday 2-5pm
    Resident Assistants are available at reception each day between 8-9pm.
    There is a 24-hour security service. They can be contacted by phone on 0131 455 6119.
    CCTV is installed at all accommodation sites and security patrols are carried out regularly 24 hours a day. .

Toilet with Adaptations (Reception - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located opposite the reception in East Kip House.
    • The distance from the Reception entrance is 3m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm.
    • 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 high visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 163cm (width) x 208cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 93cm (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 high visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a high 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 88cm 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 high visual contrast.
    • There is a soap dispenser, however it is not wall mounted.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a low visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 92cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin, a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are no coat hooks.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

Laundry

  • Laundry Room View
    • The laundry room is located to the left of the Reception.
    • There is step-free access via a slope into the laundry room.
    • The slope has a steep gradient.
    • There is a single automatic door with a low visual contrast.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The width of the opening is 100cm.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • The following machines are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user: washing machine and tumble dryer.
    • Seating available in this area includes: stools.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
    • The room is narrow without a 150 x 150cm turning space.

Carnethy House Entrance

  • This entrance is located at the front of the block.
  • 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 a very easy slope at the entrance.
  • There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 113cm.
  • There is an intercom at a height of 125cm.
  • There is a single automatic door at this entrance.
  • The door opens towards you.
  • 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 push pad or push button to exit at a height of 90cm.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Getting Around Carnethy House

  • There is step-free level access throughout the building on all floors.
  • Floor surfaces along circulation routes are hard and smooth, with some having a shiny finish.
  • There are no resting areas on circulation routes.
  • Wall mounted wayfinding signage is provided throughout the building.
  • There are automatic doors with push pad operation in the ground floor corridor and flat entrance, and manual doors on upper floors and other blocks.

Lift

  • The lift surveyed is located at the rear of Carnethy House.
  • The distance from the Carnethy House entrance is 15m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access and automatic doors.
  • Levels G, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 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 weight limit for the lift is 630Kg 8 persons.
  • The external lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille 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 80cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 108cm (width) x 139cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a high visual contrast.
  • The majority of the internal 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 and an audible announcer.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

Stairs

  • The stairs surveyed are located on the left as you enter.
  • There is a single manual door to access the stairwell.
  • Level G, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 17 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 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 17cm.
  • The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
  • Lighting is automatic and turns on as you approach.

Flat Entrance

  • This entrance is located off the main corridor into Flat A.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is a single automatic door at this entrance.
  • The door opens away from you.
  • The width of the opening is 83cm.
  • The door has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 87cm.
  • The door has fob access. The fob reader is 95cm high.

Bedroom and Ensuite with Adaptations

  • Bedroom Access View
    • The bedroom surveyed is located flat 1, room A, Carnethy Hill House.
    • The distance from the Carnethy House entrance is 20m.
    • The most accessible route to the bedroom has step-free level access and automatic doors.
    • There is step-free level access into the bedroom.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
    • A03A97B1-C851-5545-80A7-19D6940AD379
    • The door opens inwards automatically and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 84cm.
  • Bedroom Features View
    • The bedroom has a double bed.
    • The top of the mattress is 63cm from the floor.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre next to the bed (150cm x 150cm).
    • The following is available in this bedroom: a chair without armrests, bedside plug sockets and a desk.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm but it was tied up at the time of the survey.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
    • This bedroom does not have an adjoining room.
  • Ensuite Access View
    • There is step-free level access into the ensuite.
    • The ensuite door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening to the ensuite is 87cm.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is not a grab rail on the internal door.
  • Ensuite Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the ensuite are 229cm (width) x 217cm (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.
    • The lateral transfer space is 140cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a lever 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 low 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 medium visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 80cm 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 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 soap dispenser, however it is not wall mounted.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is an unobstructed shelf.
    • The shelf meets the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
    • There are multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 104cm and 140cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
    • The ensuite has a wheel-in shower.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the shower (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is an adjustable shower head.
    • The shower controls are twist/turn.
    • There is a flip-down shower seat.
    • The shower seat is 52cm from the floor.
    • There is a grab rail and a dropdown rail for the shower.
    • The shower grab rail has a medium visual contrast.
    • The shower dropdown rail has a medium visual contrast.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm for the shower, however it was tied up at the time of the survey.

Kitchen/Dining

  • The kitchen/dining area is located in Flat 1 at the end of the corridor.
  • There is step-free level access into the kitchen/dining area.
  • There is a single automatic door with a high visual contrast.
  • The door opens inwards.
  • The width of the opening is 84cm.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
  • The work surface is 90cm from the floor.
  • A lowered work surface is available with a clear knee recess.
  • The lowered work surface is 76cm from the floor.
  • Overhead and under counter cupboards are available.
  • The hob is 92cm from the floor.
  • A lowered hob is available with a clear knee recess.
  • The lowered hob is 78cm from the floor.
  • The oven is at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The sink is 90cm from the floor.
  • A lowered sink is available.
  • The lowered sink is 76cm from the floor.
  • The sink has a lever mixer tap.
  • Facilities within the kitchen include a fridge freezer, a microwave, a kettle and a toaster.
  • Seating available in the kitchen includes: armchairs, sofas and high stools.
  • Furniture available in the kitchen includes: coffee tables and high tables.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.