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Staff House

University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2GG

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include staff offices, licensed bar facilities on the ground floor (The Bratby), a common room on level 1 and the Astor Suite on level 3.
    The lift is only accessible via The Bratby Additional Seating entrance for wheelchair users.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities

  • Accessible toilet facilities are located on the ground floor corridor, on the left after entering via the accessible entrance.
  • Female and male standard toilet facilities are located on the ground floor corridor on the left after entering via the accessible entrance and on level 3 to the left after exiting the lift.
  • Gender Neutral standard toilet facilities are located on the level 3 corridor, within the Astor Suite.

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • Approaching from the northwest or southeast along the M6: Leave at Junction 6 (signposted Birmingham Central) to join the A38(M). At the end of the motorway, keep to the right, go over a flyover, then through some underpasses to join the A38 Bristol Road. The University is on the right, two and a half miles from the city centre.
      Approaching from the M42 north: Leave at Junction 8 to join the M6 northbound and follow the instructions above.
      Approaching from the southwest: Leave the M5 at Junction 4 (signposted Birmingham SW) to join the A38. The University is approximately eight miles from the motorway.
      Approaching from the M40: It is easier to turn south on the M42 and leave at Junction 1, heading north on the A38 Bristol Road. The University is approximately eight miles from the motorway.
    • There are various car parks located throughout the Campus which require permits for staff.
      Blue Badge holders can park on Campus and must use the intercom to Security to pass through the security barriers at each entrance.
  • By Bus View
    • Buses X20, X21 and X22 from the Bus Mall, Moor Street Queensway and Smallbrook Queensway travel along Pritchatts Road, and stop (stop ID nwmdmtjd) opposite the North East Car Park, around 60 metres from the Education Building.
      Buses 1a and 51s stop near the King Edwards High School on Edgbaston Park Road opposite the University’s Main Entrance (Stop ID: nwmdtawg) around 200 metres from the building.
      Numbers X61 and 63 travel from the Bus Mall, Moor Street Queensway, and from New Street Station, St Martin’s Queensway, to the Bristol Road, at the corner of Edgbaston Park Road (Stop ID: nwmatmap) around 600 metres from the building. The services all run frequently from the city centre.
  • By Train View
    • From Birmingham New Street Station around six trains an hour call at University Station and take 8-10 minutes.
      The final destinations for trains are Bromsgrove, Redditch, Hereford and Cardiff Central.
      The Education Building is approximately 900 metres and 11 minute walk from University Station.
  • Useful Links View

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does not have its own dedicated parking.
  • Site/Campus Car Parks View
    • There is a site/campus car park for staff, students and visitors within approximately 200m.
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available within the car park.
    • The name of the car park is Hills Car Park.
    • The car park is located next to the Hills Building.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Site/Campus Car Park (Hills Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located in front of the Hills Building, off of the south ring road.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are the Hills Building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is/are 2 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 360cm x 490cm (11ft 10in x 16ft 1in).
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by staff, Blue Badge holders and permit holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is level access to the car park from the Hills Building.
    • This car park is not clearly signposted from the Hills Building.
    • The nearest designated bay is 6m (6yd 1ft) from the Main Entrance.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • There is stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) by revolving.
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is / are 10 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • There is tactile paving at the top and bottom of the step(s).
    • The step(s) is / are clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The handrails are on both sides.

Outside Access (Accessible Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the rear of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are single (with a locked extension leaf).
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of less than 2cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.

Outside Access (The Bratby Additional Seating - Step-free Access to Lift)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the building, to the right of the accessible entrance.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 168cm (5ft 6in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of less than 2cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located to the left as you face the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
    • The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
    • The ramp does have handrails.
    • The handrails are on the left going up the ramp.
    • The width of the ramp is 125cm (4ft 1in).
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located to the left as you face the entrance.
    • There is / are 6 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the step(s).
    • The step(s) is / are not clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The handrails are on the left going up the step(s).

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the majority of the building.
    • There is/are 5 unmarked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to the upper ground floor.
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • There is/are 2 unmarked step(s), with no handrails, for access to University Centre on level 2.
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • There are doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
  • Getting Around View
    • There is not clear signage for building facilities/areas in the foyer/reception area.
    • There is no directional signage at key points of circulation routes.
    • There is high visual contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • This building does not play background music.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Opening Times (The Bratby)

  • Monday 11:30 - 19:00.
  • Tuesday 11:30 - 19:00.
  • Wednesday 11:30 - 20:00.
  • Thursday 11:30 - 21:00.
  • Friday 11:30 - 21:00.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Entrance (The Bratby Additional Seating)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the upper ground floor, next to the lift.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 152cm (4ft 12in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.

Entrance (The Bratby)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the ground floor corridor, opposite the toilets.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are single (with a locked extension leaf).
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.

Eating and Drinking (The Bratby)

  • Location and Access View
    • The bar is located on the ground floor of Staff House, opposite the toilets.
  • Service and Menus View
    • Tables cannot be booked in advance.
    • There is a bar where drinks can be ordered.
    • Staff can bring food and/or drinks to tables.
    • Menu types include; menu boards.
    • Menus are clearly written.
    • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
    • Staff can read menus to customers if requested.
    • Takeaway cups are available.
    • Adapted cups are not available.
    • Drinking straws are available.
    • This area does play background music.
    • Background music is only played at certain times, the volume can be adjusted if requested.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Service Counter(s) View
    • The height of the counter is 105cm.
    • There is a moveable card machine available for payment.
  • Tables and Seating View
    • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • The majority of tables are accessible to wheelchair users.
    • The distance between the floor and the underside of the lowest dining table is 72cm.
    • The distance between the floor and the underside of the highest dining table is 105cm.
    • There are also high tables, booths, bench seats and high stools.
    • The surface height of the lowest table is 75cm.
    • The surface height of the highest table is 108cm.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
    • Some chairs have armrests on both sides.
    • The type of flooring in this area is carpet and vinyl.
    • There is some flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • Access to the additional seating area is via steps.

Level Change (The Bratby Additional Seating)

  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located to the right of the bar.
  • There is/are 5 step(s) to the area/service.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are good.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • Comments View
    • Step-free access to the additional seating is via The Bratby Additional Seating outside access.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are upper ground, 1, 2 and 3.
    • The stairs are located to the left after entering the building via the main entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 16m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail in the centre.
    • There is a landing.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left after entering the building via The Bratby Additional Seating entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are upper ground, 1, 2 and 3.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 409kg.
  • The lift is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the Bratby Additional Seating entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 89cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 130cm x 105cm (4ft 3in x 3ft 5in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The lift does not have a hearing enhancement system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.

Entrance (Level 1 Link - University Centre)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off the Level 1 corridor.
    • There is stepped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 138cm (4ft 6in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 138cm (4ft 6in).
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a/are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located between the first and second doors.
    • There is / are 3 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are not clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do not have handrails.

Entrance (Hub - Level 1)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the level 1 corridor to the left after exiting the lift.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are double (with one leaf locked).
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 76cm (2ft 6in).

Breakout Space(s) (Hub - Level 1)

  • Signage for the room(s) is not available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible on or near the door.
  • The corridor outside the room(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • There is step free access into the room(s) from the corridor.
  • There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
  • There is some fixed furniture within the room(s).
  • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) ranges between 42cm and 71cm.
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There is a/are chair(s) with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
  • The room does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.
  • There is a microwave in this hub.
    The height of the counter the microwave is placed on is 94cm.
    There is also a push button water dispenser on this counter.
    There are chairs with and without armrests, bench seats and sofas.

Entrance (Astor Suite - Level 3)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the right after exiting the lift on level 3.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are double (with one leaf locked).
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 75cm (2ft 6in).

Breakout Space(s) (Michael Tippet - Level 3)

  • Signage for the room(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible on or near the door.
  • The corridor outside the room(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • There is step free access into the room(s) from the corridor.
  • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
  • The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
  • There is step free access to the speaker's area at the front.
  • The height of the speaker's desk/table is 74cm.
  • The speaker's desk/table is not height adjustable.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
  • There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
  • There is not fixed furniture within the room(s).
  • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) is 68cm.
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There is a/are chair(s) with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
  • The room does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.
  • The Michael Tippet room is located within the Astor Suite.

Breakout Space(s) (Adrian Boult - Level 3)

  • Signage for the room(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible on or near the door.
  • The corridor outside the room(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • There is step free access into the room(s) from the corridor.
  • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
  • The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
  • There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
  • There is not fixed furniture within the room(s).
  • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) is 68cm.
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There are no chairs with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
  • The room does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.

Breakout Space(s) (Thomas Beecham - Level 3)

  • Signage for the room(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible on or near the door.
  • The corridor outside the room(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • There is step free access into the room(s) from the corridor.
  • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
  • The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
  • There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
  • There is not fixed furniture within the room(s).
  • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) is 68cm.
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There are no chairs with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
  • The room does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.

Breakout Space(s) (Innovation Room - Level 3)

  • Signage for the room(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible on or near the door.
  • The corridor outside the room(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • There is step free access into the room(s) from the corridor.
  • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
  • The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
  • There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
  • There is not fixed furniture within the room(s).
  • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) is 68cm.
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There are no chairs with armrests on both sides within the room(s).
  • The room does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • Floor coverings in the room(s) are even with no trip hazards.
  • The height of the counter is 110cm.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor corridor, on the left after entering the building via the accessible entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the accessible entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is Braille, tactile, pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The visual contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 217cm x 212cm (7ft 1in x 6ft 11in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The height of the light switch/pull cord is 104cm from floor level.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 150cm (4ft 11in).
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The visual contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is low.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary and general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat visual contrast is low.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • The visual contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is medium.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 73cm (2ft 5in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The visual contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 90cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 93cm (3ft 1in).
    • The visual contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is low.

Standard Toilet(s) (Ground Floor)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female toilet is located on the ground floor corridor, opposite The Bratby.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 5m from the accessible entrance.
    • The visual contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is Braille, tactile, pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • It was not possible to access the male toilet.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 85cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The male toilet is located on the ground floor corridor, opposite The Bratby.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 6m from the accessible entrance.
    • The visual contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • Comments View
    • There is a second door to access the toilets, as shown in the photographs.

Standard Toilet(s) (Level 3 - Gender Neutral)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The gender neutral toilets are located on the level 3 corridor, within the Astor Suite.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 8m from the Astor Suite entrance.
    • The visual contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is low.
    • There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 85cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • There are three similar gender neutral toilets on this level.