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Edinburgh Building - Student Union

University of Sunderland, City Campus, Chester Road, Sunderland, SR1 3SD

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Access Guide

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Summary

  • Service View
    • The Student Union is located on the ground floor of the Edinburgh building, to the right of the campus square entrance.
      For details about access to and around the Edinburgh building, please see the link below.
    • Edinburgh Building link (new tab) - click here.
  • Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities View
    • Accessible toilet facilities are located in the rear corridor of the Student Union, to the right.
    • Gender neutral toilet facilities are located in the rear corridor of the Student Union, to the right where the accessible toilet is also signed for anyone to use.

Opening Times (Student Union)

  • Monday 09:30 - 16:30.
  • Tuesday 09:30 - 16:30.
  • Wednesday 09:30 - 16:30.
  • Thursday 09:30 - 16:30.
  • Friday 09:30 - 16:30.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Useful Information

  • The Disability Support Team (DST) provide information, support and guidance to students with disabilities, mental health difficulties, Specific Learning Difficulties (such as dyslexia) and long-term medical conditions.
    Our area of expertise is learning support; if you feel that your condition or impairment is having an impact upon your studies, you can contact us.
    We are the starting point for you to discuss and organise your learning support.
    We are a confidential and individual service.
    Disability Support Advisers are available to meet students on a one-to-one basis to discuss their particular needs and help them put support arrangements in place.
  • To see more information on Disability Support Team please click here (opens new tab).
  • Telephone Number: 0191 515 2952.
  • Email: disability.support@sunderland.ac.uk.
  • Anyone can experience thoughts and feelings that are distressing or affect their ability to concentrate on their work or studies.
    Looking after your physical health is fundamental to student success.
    We are here to support you, and your Wellbeing Team provides a range of support in relation to all your health needs.
    It is very important to ensure you can access the support you need when you need it.
    We work alongside the Disability Support Team for all students with a diagnosed condition.
    The Disability Support Team (DST) provides information, support, and guidance to students with disabilities, mental health difficulties.
    Specific Learning Difficulties (such as dyslexia), and long-term medical conditions.
  • To see more information on Wellbeing please click here (opens new tab).
  • Telephone Number: 0191 515 2933.
  • Email: wellbeing@sunderland.ac.uk.
  • We offer a great choice of accommodation for you to choose from and our rent prices include heating, lighting, water, fuel, Wi-Fi and personal possessions insurance.
    All of our residences are in a great location for students studying at either City Campus or Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's.
    They are all within walking distance of Sunderland City Centre with access to supermarkets, bars/restaurants, theatres/cinema and transport links.
  • To see more information on Accommodation please click here (opens new tab).
  • Telephone Number: 0191 515 2943.
  • Email: accommodation@sunderland.ac.uk.
  • The Gateway is your one-stop shop for all your enquiries.
    No matter what your question is, we’ll be able to help resolve your issue or at least advise on what you need to do next and we'll keep you informed along the way through our enquiry system, Compass.
    Alongside our extensive online support via Compass and our Self Service on e:Vision, you will also be able to find support at both our City and Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's.
    We have an Enquiry Desk at each campus ready to help you when you need it:
    City Campus - Gateway Building
    Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's - Prospect Building.
  • To see more information on Gateway Enquiries please click here (opens new tab).
  • Telephone Number: 0191 515 2222.
  • Email: Compassgateway@sunderland.ac.uk.
  • Library Services deliver a range of services, spaces, and support across the learning community.
    In collaboration with the community, they support learners' engagement with their studies and underpin the University's academic, research, and graduate success.
    The services are personalised and accessible, and blend digital and print, providing customised resources.
    These collections support teaching, learning, and research both on-and off- campus.
    The library flexible learning spaces offer varied environments appropriate to changing student and staff needs.
    The library staff skills support enables learners to get the very best from library collections and develop lifelong learning and career skills.
  • To see more information on Library Services please click here (opens new tab).
  • Telephone Number: 0191 515 3691.
  • Email: library@sunderland.ac.uk.

Getting Here (City Campus)

  • By Road View
    • The City Campus is located to the west of Sunderland city centre and can be accessed from the A183 Chester Road from the west, the A1231 St Michael's Way from the south and east and the A1232 Silksworth Row or A183 Lancaster Road from the north.
    • There is limited pay and display parking across the campus on a first come first served basis.
      If you’re a Blue Badge holder, you can register your vehicle for University Blue Badge parking. This enables you to park for free, in designated disabled parking bays on campus.
      Due to the location of the campuses and the large number of students and staff you are not guaranteed a parking space.
      The University operates a cashless parking system. Students and staff may be eligible to register their vehicle with the University which reduces the cost of parking on campus.
      Visitors attending conferences, training or other events at the University should seek advice on parking from the relevant Faculty/Service they are meeting.
    • For more information on parking at the University of Sunderland please click here (opens new tab).
  • By Bus View
    • There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the campus.
    • There are bus stops on Chester Road that are served by the following Go North East bus services:
      2 Berries, 2A Berries, 35 Cherry, 35A Cherry, 39 Graphite (eastbound), 39A Graphite, 78 Country Ranger, 135 (eastbound), 136 (westbound), 701 Sunderland Comet, 702 Sunderland Comet, and route 935.
      There are additional services at the same stops operated by Stagecoach:
      8, 8A, 16 (westbound), X24 and X24A. There are additional bus stops to the north of the campus on Silksworth Row and St Michaels Way.
    • For more information on Go North East bus services in the Sunderland area please click here (opens new tab).
  • By Train View
  • By Metro View
    • The nearest Metro station is University.
    • The University stop is located at the south end of the City Campus off the A183 Chester Road.
      The station is step free with ramped access to both platforms.
      Ticket vending machines and Help Points are located at the rear of each ticketing area.
      This station is unstaffed and there are no toilet facilities.
    • For more information please click here (opens new tab).

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 Gateway Car Park.
    • The car park is located to the rear of the Gateway 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 (The Gateway Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located to the rear of The Gateway building.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are The Gateway building, Edinburgh Building and the Science Complex.
    • 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 3 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 280cm x 480cm.
    • The Blue Badge parking bays have a marked zone to one side and the rear.
    • The marked zone is 120cm wide.
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by anybody.
    • Parking charges apply for all except Blue Badge holders.
    • Signs are provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
    • Signs are clearly presented.
    • Payment machines are located close to the Blue Badge parking bays.
    • There is a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
    • There is a level turning space (minimum 185cm x 210cm) in front of the payment machine(s).
    • Payment can be made by phone.
    • To see more information on parking policies please click here (opens new tab).
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is step free access from this car park.
    • Buildings are clearly signposted from this car park.
    • There is a campus map available within the car park.
    • The nearest designated bay is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the The Gateway building.
  • Comments View
    • Blue Badge holders can register their vehicle for University Blue Badge free parking in designated disabled parking bays on campus.
    • For more information on registering your vehicle please click here
    • Parking at both campuses is first come, first served.
    • You are not guaranteed a parking space.
    • Staff and students who do not live at university accommodation may register their vehicle with the University which reduces the cost of parking on campus.
    • The University operates a cashless parking system that allows payment by the following methods:
    • • Via the JustPark app, available from the App Store, if you have a smartphone, including paying in advance.
    • • By following the directions on car parking signs if you do not have a smartphone.
    • • By using the two cashless parking terminals at the northern entrance to Gateway building on City Campus or the southern entrance to the Reg Vardy Centre on Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's.
    • Students in University accommodation must register their vehicle, entitling them to free parking at their accommodation site.
    • However, they are not permitted to park on teaching campuses between 8am – 5pm on weekdays and are encouraged to use the university’s free campus bus and Connect service.

Outside Access (Student Union Front Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front right of the Edinburgh building.
    • This entrance gives access to the student union.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Your SU*'.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key card reader is 100cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • There is a push pad/button to enter and exit the main automatic doors.
    • The entry push pad or push button is 100cm from floor level.
    • The exit push pad or push button is 97cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 89cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located to the left of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on the right going up the ramp.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 122cm (4ft).
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is/are 1 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
  • Lift View
    • The key card reader is for out of hours access only.

Entrance (Student Union Internal Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the ground floor, opposite the East lift, ahead of the Edinburgh to Gateway link.
    • This entrance gives access to the ground floor of the Student Union.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Your SU*'.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key card reader is 115cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
    • There is a push pad/button to enter and exit the main automatic doors.
    • The entry push pad or push button is 115cm from floor level.
    • The exit push pad or push button is 112cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 150cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
    • The automatic door(s) is/are push pad or push button activated.
    • The push pad or push button is 113cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 165cm.
    • The second set of doors open automatically to enter and are push pad controlled to exit.
  • Lift View
    • The key card reader is for out of hours access only.

Reception (Student Union Reception)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located ahead and to the right of the Student Union internal entrance.
    • The reception point is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the Student Union entrance.
    • The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the reception point.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
    • There are no windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors at/behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The reception counter is placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
    • The height of the reception counter is 117cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is a lowered section of the counter.
    • The height of the lowered section at the counter is 81cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
    • There is a clear knee recess beneath the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
    • There is no wayfinding signage available at/close to the reception.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is vinyl.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.

Getting Around (Student Union)

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the area.
  • Circulation View
    • There are no doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is vinyl.
    • There is flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is high visual contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
  • Safe Place(s) View
    • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does not play background music in communal areas.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system in the communal areas of the building.

Toilet with Adaptations (Left Hand Transfer - Gender Neutral)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located at the far end of the main corridor, on the right.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the Student Union internal 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 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 heavy.
    • 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 visual contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 166cm x 231cm (5ft 5in x 7ft 7in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a female sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not 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 low.
    • 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 contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is low.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 154cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is 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 not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 89cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is low.
    • 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 69cm (2ft 3in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is low.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 110cm.
    • 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 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is low.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • The nearest standard toilet(s) is/are located in the rear corridor of the Student Union, to the right where the accessible toilet is also signed for anyone to use.