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KB Centre

The University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Thomas Bayes Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3DL

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Ground Floor - The Shop and Coffee Shop, Seating Areas, Cyclist Changing Room and Showers.
    First Floor - U Create, Group study Pods, Study Areas
    Second and Third Floors - Computer Rooms.

Rooms and Spaces Links

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:30 - 18:00.
  • Tuesday 08:30 - 18:00.
  • Wednesday 08:30 - 18:00.
  • Thursday 08:30 - 18:00.
  • Friday 08:30 - 16:30.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • This building is located at the King's Buildings campus off the West Mains Road in South Edinburgh.
    • The Transport and Parking Office of the University of Edinburgh manages parking at the University. University car parks are for the use of permit holders only and are subject to the university’s parking regulations. Permits are available for visitors to the university.
  • By Bus View
    • This building is served by the number 38 bus stopping at the Mayfield Road bus stop on West Mains Road, or the number 24, 29, 42 and 67 buses stopping at the Rankin Drive bus stop on Mayfield Road.
  • By Train View
    • The King's Buildings site is approximately three miles from Edinburgh Waverley Train Station, the city's main train station. Buses are available from the station to the site.
  • Useful Links View

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does have its own dedicated parking.
  • Building Car Park View
    • The car park can be used by permit holders and Blue Badge holders.
    • There are no parking charges.
    • The car park is located to the left as you face the building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • There is/are 1 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked and signposted.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 485cm x 500cm (15ft 11in x 16ft 5in).
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
    • The nearest designated bay is 12m (13yd 4in) from the main entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the building is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is / are slopes/ramps.
    • The dropped kerb between the car park and the building does have tactile paving.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • Site/Campus Car Parks View
    • There is a site/campus car park for staff, students and visitors within approximately 200m.
    • The name of the car park is James Clerk Maxwell Building car park.
    • The car park is located in front of the James Clerk Maxwell 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.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • A key fob is required for access at this entrance.
    • The card reader/lock is not in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 137cm (4ft 6in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located to the right and the left as you face the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is easy.
    • The ramp is permanent.
  • Comments View
    • The key fob system is only used outside of the buildings normal opening hours.

Outside Access (Noreen and Kenneth Murray Library Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the left of the building leading from the library.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 180cm (5ft 11in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance and beyond the second door.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is easy.
    • The ramp is permanent.
  • Comments View
    • There are double manual doors located to the left of the first set of doors.
    • The second set of doors are located to the right of the first set of doors.

Outside Access (Rear Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 127cm (4ft 2in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located leading to and in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp is permanent.
  • Comments View
    • The slope leading to the entrance is moderate.
    • The slope in front of the entrance is steep.

Outside Access (The Shop and Coffee Shop Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the right hand side of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 157cm (5ft 2in).
  • 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 moderate.
    • The ramp is permanent.
  • Comments View
    • The entrance surveyed was to the front right as you face the building.
    • There is an identical entrance to the rear right of the building.
    • Both of these entrances give access to the grab and go area of the coffee shop.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the majority of the building.
    • There is/are 4 unmarked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to the seating area to the left of the building from the main entrance.
    • The step(s) is/are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • There is a steep ramp, with no handrails, for access to the rear of the ground floor and seating area via the main entrance.
    • The width of the ramp is 130cm (4ft 3in).
    • The ramp or slope does bypass the step(s).
    • These steps and ramp (shown in photographs 1, 2, 3 and 4) can be avoided by using the library left hand entrance.
    • There is/are 3 clearly marked step(s), with no handrails, for access to the grab and go area of the coffee shop.
    • The step(s) is/are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • There is an easy ramp, with handrails on both sides, for access to the shop from the grab and go coffee shop.
    • The width of the ramp is 128cm (4ft 2in).
    • The ramp or slope does bypass the step(s).
    • These steps and ramp (shown in photographs 5, 6, 7 and 8) are in the centre of the shop/coffee shop on the ground floor of the building. Level access within the building to the shop can be gained by using the main building entrance. Level access within the building to the grab and go coffee shop can be gained by using the right hand side entrance.
    • There are doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
  • Getting Around View
    • There is clear signage for building facilities/areas in the foyer/reception area.
    • There is clearly written directional signage at key points of circulation routes.
    • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is some flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of corridors.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
    • This building does not play background music.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Comments View
    • There is a seating area on the ground floor to the left of the building.
    • There are tables in the seating area.
    • The height of the lowest table is 34cm.
    • The height of the highest table is 64cm.
    • There are sofas within the seating area.
    • The sofas seat 3 people.
    • The sofas have arm rests.
    • There is a mixture of bench and standard seating.
    • The bench and standard seating do not have armrests.

Opening Times (The Shop and Coffee Shop)

  • Monday 07:30 - 17:00.
  • Tuesday 07:30 - 17:00.
  • Wednesday 07:30 - 17:00.
  • Thursday 07:30 - 17:00.
  • Friday 07:30 - 17:00.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Entrance (The Shop and Coffee Shop)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located in the centre of the building on the ground floor.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is one set of manual, heavy, double doors between the ground floor of the building and the shop/coffee shop entrance and 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 122cm (4ft).

Counter (The Shop)

  • The desk is 5m (5yd 1ft) from the shop and coffee shop entrance.
  • Shop counter is located against the left hand wall as you enter the shop/coffee shop.
  • The counter is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to this counter.
  • The lighting levels in this area are good.
  • The reception counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • There is not a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low counter.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Counter (Grab and Go Coffee Shop)

  • The desk is 13m (14yd 8in) from the shop/coffee shop entrance.
  • Grab and go coffee shop counter is located ahead as you enter against the far wall.
  • The counter is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to this counter.
  • The lighting levels in this area are good.
  • The reception counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • There is not a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Other Floors (Front Staircase)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1-2-3.
    • The stairs are located in the foyer at the front of the building.
    • The stairs are approximately 5m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • There are manual, heavy, single doors to access the stairwell on all floors.
    • The lighting levels are low.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • There is a similar staircase at the rear of the building.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located at the rear of the building.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1-2-3.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 28m (30yd 1ft) from the Maureen and Kenneth Murray Library Entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 77cm (2ft 6in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 140cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not 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 loop system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is low.

Standard Changing Room (Cyclists Changing Room)

  • There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
  • The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located on the ground floor at the rear right of the building.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 29m (31yd 2ft) from the Maureen and Kenneth Murray Library Entrance.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 29m (31yd 2ft) from the reception desk.
  • There is not level access to the standard changing room(s).

Standard Shower (Cyclists Changing Room)

  • Shower facilities are available.
  • The shower(s) surveyed is/are located at the rear of the cyclists changing room.
  • There is level access to the services from the shower facilities.
  • Comments View
    • There is a deep step created by the shower tray to enter the showers.

Accessible Toilet (First Floor Corridor)

  • There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 17m (18yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located in the corridor at the front of the building on the first floor.
    • There are similar accessible toilets in the same location on the second and third floors of this building.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 91cm (2ft 12in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 192cm (4ft 11in x 6ft 4in).
    • There is not a clear 150cm x 150cm manoeuvring space in the accessible toilet.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm in the cubicle.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and open waste paper bin disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is not a mirror.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 125cm (4ft 1in).
    • 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 111cm (3ft 8in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Standard Toilet(s) (First Floor Corridor)

  • Location of Standard Toilet(s) View
    • There are male and female standard toilets facilities on the second floor and the third floor.
  • Standard Toilet Surveyed View
    • A male standard toilet was surveyed.
    • The toilet surveyed is located in the corridor at the front of the building on the first floor.
    • There is a female standard toilet in the same location.
    • There is step free access to the standard toilet(s) surveyed from the entrance.
    • The standard toilet surveyed is approximately 16m from the lift.
    • There is not a/are not cubicle(s) suitable for ambulant disabled people in the standard toilet(s) surveyed.
    • Lighting levels in the standard toilet surveyed are good.
  • Comments View
    • The male standard toilets only contain urinals.
    • The accessible toilet is also used as the male standard toilet.