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.

George Square, 50

The University of Edinburgh, Central Area, 50 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9JU

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Overview

Getting Inside

  • The approach to the building is step-free via slight slopes.
  • There is stepped access at the front right of the building which can be bypassed using the slope.
  • 50 George Square has three entrances. The main entrance has step-free access via a slight slope. There are double automatic doors at the main entrance.
    The rear right side entrance is accessed via five steps and manual doors.
    The 40 George Square link entrance is accessed via push pad activated automatic double doors and has step-free level access via lift.
  • The main entrance is signed as 50 George Square. The rear right side entrance is not signed. The link entrance is not signed.
  • The main entrance provides step-free level access to the reception foyer on the ground floor.
  • The rear right entrance is located in the courtyard to the rear of 40 George Square. The lower floor 40 George Square link entrance has step-free level access to the ground floor via platform lift.

Getting Around

  • There is step-free level access throughout the building on all floors.
  • On the lower ground floor there is a link entrance to 40 George Square lower floor café.
  • On the ground floor there is a platform lift to access the lower ground floor.
  • Floor surfaces along all circulation routes are hard and smooth, with some having a shiny finish and some having repeating patterns.
  • 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 along circulation routes throughout the building.

Emergency Egress for Building

  • General Building Information View
    • Please note the fire evacuation strategy from the upper floors of this building relies on the ability to self-transfer into an evacuation chair.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • Toilets with adaptations are located to the left as you enter, to the rear of the ground floor and in similar locations on the upper floors.
    • The male step-free toilet facilities are located to the left as you enter.
    • The female step-free toilet facilities are located to the left as you enter, off the end of the corridor.
    • The male and female step-free toilet facilities are located to the left from the lift on the upper floors.
    • The gender inclusive toilet facilities are located on the first and fourth floor toilets with adaptations.
    • The shared toilet facilities are located on the lower ground floor.
  • Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
    • Parent and baby changing facilities are located within the rear ground floor toilet with adaptations.
  • Washroom and Shower Facilities View
    • Standard shower facilities are located on the lower ground, second and third floors.

Rooms and Services in the Building

Parking

Entrance (Main Entrance)

  • This entrance is located at the front corner 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 has a slight gradient.
  • The ramp is over 150cm wide with no handrails.
  • There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 119cm.
  • There is an intercom at a height of 138cm.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 133cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is a second set of double automatic doors .
  • The second set of doors open towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 154cm.
  • The second set of doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Reception

  • The reception is located to the left as you enter.
  • The distance from entrance is 5m.
  • There is step-free level access to reception.
  • The height of the reception desk is 115cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the desk.
  • The height of the lowered section is 79cm.
  • The reception has glazed screens.
  • There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested, however it was not working at the time of the survey.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
  • Seating available in this area includes: benches.

Lift (G.Z02)

  • The lift surveyed is located on the right as you enter from the main entrance.
  • The distance from main entrance is 10m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
  • The ground, first, second, third and fourth floors 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, 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 90cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 145cm (width) x 133cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a low visual contrast.
  • None 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.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
  • There is an additional lift further along which is used to access the lower ground floor and 40 George Square complex.

Lift (Lower Ground and 40 George Square)

  • The lift surveyed is located to the rear right as you enter from the main entrance.
  • This lift is a platform lift.
  • The distance from main entrance is 25m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • The ground and lower ground floors are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a low 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 medium visual contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 90cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 143cm (width) x 110cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a medium 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 visual floor indicator.
  • 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 from the main entrance.
  • Ground, first, second, third and fourth floors 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 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.
  • There are additional stairs further along which are used to access the lower ground floor and 40 George Square complex.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located to the left as you enter from the main entrance.
    • The distance from main entrance is 35m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access and manual doors.
    • 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 86cm.
    • The door has a 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 181cm (width) x 212cm (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 118cm (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 cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a low visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 98cm 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 low visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 107cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 100cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 97cm 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 multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 108cm and 143cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Both Sides Transfer - with Baby Changing)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located to the rear right as you enter from the main entrance.
    • The distance from main entrance is 30m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is tactile, 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 86cm.
    • The door has a 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 227cm (width) x 196cm (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 on the left is 88cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • The lateral transfer space on the right is 87cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a spatula flush on the right transfer side.
    • There is no horizontal grab rail for the toilet.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the right as you face the toilet.
    • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The dropdown rails have a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is located on the dropdown rail.
    • The toilet roll holder has a low visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 64cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 83cm 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 cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a low visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 100cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 91cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 94cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin, a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 108cm and 143cm from the floor.
    • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 82cm.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor - Right Hand Transfer - Gender Neutral Toilet)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located on the first floor, to the right from the lift, beyond the stairs.
    • The distance from the lift is 40m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access and a lift.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is tactile, 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 87cm.
    • The door has a 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 174cm (width) x 177cm (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 88cm (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 97cm 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 high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a low visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 95cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a medium visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 94cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 95cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a full length mirror.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 108cm and 142cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
    • There are similar toilets in the same location on the second and third floors.
      The second floor toilet is not gender neutral.