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Joseph Priestley Building

Queen Mary University of London, Mile End Road, Bethnal Green, London, E1 4PA

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Access Guide

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Overview

Getting Inside

  • The approach to the building is step-free and level.
  • The Joseph Priestley Building has one entrance, which provides step-free level access to the ground floor of the building (via a very easy slope). There is a single set of push-pad activated double automatic doors at this entrance (with an alternative set of double manual doors).
  • The entrance is signed as "Joseph Priestley Building".
  • The entrance provides step-free level access to the foyer on the ground floor of the building (via a very easy slope).

Getting Around

  • There is step-free level access throughout the building on all floors, and to all floors, via lift.
  • Floor surfaces along circulation routes consist of shiny tiled flooring, shiny vinyl flooring, and low-pile carpet.
  • There are resting areas in some circulation and lobby areas with a mixture of seating.
  • There is some wall-mounted wayfinding signage in the building.
  • There are not manual doors in any circulation corridors; only to access stairwells. All closed doors along circulation routes are automatic (via push-pad or key card reader).

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There are 3 toilets with adaptations.
    • Toilets with adaptations are located on the ground floor, to the rear of the building, ahead along the corridor, then along the corridor on the right as you enter; and on the first and second floors, to the right as you exit the lift.
    • The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.
    • The male and female step-free standard toilet facilities are located on the ground floor, to the rear of the building, ahead along the corridor, then along the corridor on the right as you enter; and on the first and second floors, to the right as you exit the lift.
  • Washroom and Shower Facilities View
    • Standard shower facilities are located within the toilet with adaptations on the first floor, to the right as you exit the lift.

Parking (Westfield Way)

  • Public Car Parks View
    • The nearest site/campus car park is located off Westfield Way; however, due to ongoing construction work, it was out of bounds at the time of survey (March 2026).

Entrance (Main Entrance)

  • This entrance is located at the front of the building, leading in from The Curve, opposite Feilden House.
  • 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 a very easy slope at the entrance.
  • There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 107cm.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open towards you.
  • There is a push pad at a height of 80cm.
  • The width of the opening is 163cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 107cm.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Lift

  • The lift surveyed is located to the rear of the building, ahead along the corridor, then along the corridor on the right and right again as you enter the building.
  • The distance from the entrance is 93m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access, automatic doors and narrow walkways.
  • The ground floor, first floor, second floor and third floor (G, 1, 2 and 3 - with the third floor being for maintenance staff only) 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 300kg.
  • The external lift control buttons have tactile markings and a medium visual contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 169cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 173cm (width) x 309cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a medium visual contrast.
  • Some of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
  • Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.

Stairs

  • The stairs surveyed are located straight ahead as you enter the building.
  • The ground floor, first floor and second floor can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 20+ steps between floors.
  • The steps have low visual contrast markings and have handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are not 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 17cm.
  • The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • The steps have open risers.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located on the ground floor, to the rear of the building, ahead along the corridor, then along the corridor on the right as you enter.
    • The distance from the entrance is 81m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access, automatic doors and narrow walkways.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards automatically via a push pad and has a low visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 77cm.
    • The door has a push pad lock.
    • Internally the door has a medium visual contrast.
    • There is not a grab rail on the internal door.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 144cm (width) x 195cm (depth) and there is not 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 76cm (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 47cm 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 high visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 107cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 74cm 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 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 91cm 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 79cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is a shelf, however there is an obstruction in front of it.
    • The shelf does not meet the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
    • The cubicle has 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.