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Charles Wilson Building

University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester, LE1 7RH

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include several food outlets, offices, sports hall and the University’s Islamic Society and Prayer Room.

Opening Times

  • Monday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Thursday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Friday 09:00 - 17:00.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Getting Here

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.
    • The car park is located to the left of the building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • There is/are 5 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 250cm x 500cm (8ft 2in x 16ft 5in).
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do vary in size.
    • The nearest designated bay is 50m (54yd 2ft) 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 not a site/campus car park within approximately 200m.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
  • On Street Parking View
    • Clearly signed and/or standard marked parking bays are not available.
  • 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 or stepped access at this entrance.
    • 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 card reader/lock is 105cm (3ft 5in).
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection 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 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located to the right of the building.
    • 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 both sides.
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located in front of the building.
    • There is / are 9 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 clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The handrails are on both sides.

Outside Access (Side 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.
    • 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 card reader/lock is 108cm (3ft 7in).
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 157cm (5ft 2in).
    • 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 (towards you).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 160cm (5ft 3in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located on the pathway leading to the entrance.
    • 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 both sides.

Outside Access (Delicious)

  • 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.
    • 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) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 96cm (3ft 2in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located to the left and right of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
    • The ramp does have handrails.
    • The width of the ramp is 140cm (4ft 7in).
  • Comments View
    • This is the only step free access to Delicious.
    • Internally, the only access to Delicios is via three well marked medium steps with a handrail on the right. These are shown in photograph 4.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the majority of the building, via lift.
    • There is/are 4 clearly marked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to Chi Restaurant.
    • The step(s) is/are deep (18cm+).
    • There is an enclosed platform lift which overcomes the steps.
    • These steps are shown in photographs 1 and 2.
    • There is/are 3 clearly marked step(s), with a handrail on the right going up, for access to Delicious .
    • The step(s) is/are deep (18cm+).
    • These steps are shown in photographs 3 and 4.
    • There are not 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 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.

Reception (Student Services)

  • Student Services is located to the left as you enter via the main entrance.
  • The desk is 2m (2yd 7in) from the main entrance.
  • The reception area is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to this reception area.
  • The lighting levels in the reception area are medium.
  • The reception desk/counter is high (110cm+).
  • There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • There is a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered counter.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Delicious

  • Delicious is a shop selling food. It has various counters at which food is prepared for you. There are no seats in the shop.
  • The main service counter has a height of 86cm and is 12m from the Delicious entrance. It can be seen in photograph 1.
  • Menu's for food served here are can be found on the wall and the writing is clear and well contrasted.
  • In the shop area of Delicious the tills are at a height of 85cm which can be seen in photograph 3.
  • There are self service hot drinks machine at a height of 154cm which can be seen in photograph 4.
  • Plastic cutlery and disposable cups are also available.

Lift (Platform Lift to Chi Restaurant)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the ground floor to the rear right of the entrance lobby.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The platform lift accesses a small level change.
  • The lift is approximately 13m (14yd 8in) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 91cm (2ft 12in).
  • The lift door is manual, heavy and opens outwards.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 101cm x 141cm (3ft 4in x 4ft 8in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does not 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 not have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is medium.

Eating and Drinking (Chi Restaurant)

  • The following information is for the restaurant.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is 5m (5yd 1ft) from the restaurant entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 72cm (2ft 4in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 111cm (3ft 8in).
  • The standard height for tables is 72cm.
  • There is not ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Menus are wall only.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are not available in large print.
  • Picture menus are not available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and drinks.

Lift (Main)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the right as you enter.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, Mezzanine, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 800kg.
  • The lift is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 85cm (2ft 9in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 140cm x 130cm (4ft 7in x 4ft 3in).
  • There are 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 have an audible announcer.
  • The lift has a hearing enhancement 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 medium.
  • Comments View
    • There is a bank of 2 lifts, side by side and the details are the same for both lifts.

Lift (Muslim Prayer Room Platform Lift)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located between the mezzanine level of the stairwell and the ground floor stairs landing.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The platform lift accesses a small level change.
  • The lift is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the floor 1 stairwell.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 80cm x 105cm (2ft 7in x 3ft 5in).
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does not have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is low.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, Mezzanine, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10.
    • The stairs are located at the rear left of the entrance lobby.
    • The stairs are approximately 15m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • There are manual, heavy, double doors to access the stairwell on all floors.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
  • Comments View
    • There are identical staircases on both sides of the building.
    • The first set of 6 steps have a handrail on the right (going up) only.

Eating and Drinking (Bar Lounge)

  • The following information is for the café.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is 5m (5yd 1ft) from the lift.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 71cm (2ft 4in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are not available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is not available.
  • Drinking straws are not available.
  • Menus are wall only.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are not available in large print.
  • Picture menus are not available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is hot meals.
  • Comments View
    • There are two areas to the Bar Lounge.
    • The City Side area shown in photographs One - Three.
    • In this area there is no full table service and food is ordered from the counter. It can be brought to the table if specifically requested.
    • The Park Side area is shown in photograph 4. The Park Side restaurant offers full table service.

Standard Changing Room (Male)

  • There is a/are standard changing room(s) available.
  • The standard changing room(s) surveyed is/are located to the rear of the building on the ground floor, next to the Sports Hall.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 60m (65yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 58m (63yd 1ft) from the reception desk.
  • The standard changing room(s) is/are approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the sports hall.
  • There is level access to the standard changing room(s).

Standard Shower

  • Shower facilities are available.
  • The shower(s) surveyed is/are located within the standard changing rooms.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Mezzanine Floor)

  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the mezzanine floor, in the lift lobby area.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet, via lift.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is light.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 81cm (2ft 8in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is poor.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 241cm (4ft 11in x 7ft 11in).
    • 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 lateral transfer space is 79cm (2ft 7in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a waste disposal bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • 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 good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and nappy/incontinence items bin disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is not a mirror.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • 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 contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
    • 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).
    • 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 good.
    • 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 111cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is fair.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available.
    • The height of the baby change table is 88cm.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Sports Hall Changing Area)

  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor in the corridor at the far right of the building, past the sports hall and to the left of the male changing room.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 63m (68yd 2ft) from the main 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 signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is light.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is fair.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is poor.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 153cm x 156cm (5ft x 5ft 1in).
    • The accessible toilet does not 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 96cm (3ft 2in).
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is fair.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on the left.
    • There is not 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) to the left of the toilet and wall is fair.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is poor.
    • There is not an emergency alarm.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are not available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 115cm and 125cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is not a mirror.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 41cm (1ft 4in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • 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).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 79cm (2ft 7in).
    • There are no vertical wall-mounted grab rails at the wash basin.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • There is not a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • There is no soap available.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is not a hand dryer.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Main Building)

  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on floor 6, in the corridor through the door to the left of the lift lobby.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet, via lift.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens by sliding (Bi-Fold).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 93cm (3ft 1in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 154cm x 190cm (5ft 1in x 6ft 3in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The height of the light switch/pull cord is 99cm 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 91cm (2ft 12in).
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • 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 poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are 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 placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • 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 106cm (3ft 6in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
    • 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).
    • 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 poor.
    • 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 93cm.
    • 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 103cm.
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is good.
    • There is not a hand dryer.

Standard Toilet(s) (Mezzanine Floor)

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The male toilet is located on the mezzanine floor, in the lift foyer, to the left as you exit the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s), via lift.
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 7m from the lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • It was not possible to access the female toilet.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
    • There is a/are horizontal wall mounted rail(s) on the right as you face the toilet.
    • There is a/are vertical wall mounted rail(s) on the right as you face the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 83cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • Lighting levels are good.
    • The female standard toilets are located on the mezzanine floor, in the corridor to the right as you exit the lift. The female standard toilets are 18m from the lift.