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Charles Ward

Coventry University, Cope Street, Coventry, CV1 5LW

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include teaching rooms, laboratories, lecture theatres, HLS: employability support and offices.
  • There is no step free access to rooms 140 - 155 due to internal level changes. There is also no step free access into rooms CWB52, CWB53 and the Sodexo Hospitality office as these are located off Staircase Three.
  • Step free access to the second floor and basement rooms B20 - B30 can only available via either the Charles Ward All Floors lift.
  • Related link George Eliot Building.
  • Https://www.accessable.co.uk/coventry-university/access-guides/george-eliot

Rooms and Spaces Links

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • Coventry lies at the heart of a motorway network. Once you get to the city centre there are signposts to the University from all the relevant ring road junctions.
      From London: follow the M1, leaving it at Junction 17 onto the M45. At the end of the M45, continue along the A45 and follow the signs for the city centre.
      From East Anglia and eastern England: Take the A14 until it meets the M1/M6 interchange. Then take the M6 to Junction 2 and follow signs for the city centre.
      From southern England: take the A34 to the M40. Leave the M40 at Junction 15, then take the A46 and follow signs for the city centre.
      From the southwest: take the M5, then the M42, leaving the M42 at Junction 6. Follow the A45 to Coventry. From South Wales: follow the M4 to the M5, then as above.
      From western Scotland and the Northwest: leave the M6 at Junction 3 and follow the signs for Coventry city centre.
      From the North: take the M1 to Junction 21, then to the end of the M69, following signs for Coventry city centre.
    • There are three Blue Badge bays allocated for parking on University Square. There are also numerous car parks located nearby including the Multi-Storey Staff Car Park on Gosford Street.
      There are also the Gosford Street, Grove Street and Lower Ford Public Car Parks Located nearby.
  • By Bus View
    • Pool Meadow bus and coach station is located five minutes' walk from the University's main reception in the Alan Berry building.
      For details of local bus/coach/train times and destinations please contact the bus station enquiry line on: +44 (0) 24 7655 9559.
      National Express offers connections between Coventry and other major cities around the UK. If you travel from Birmingham Airport you can take line number 900 bus to Pool Meadow station.
      Additional buses to reach University Square can be found at the Grove Street Bus Station (Stop CU5 on Cox Street) 4, 8, 8a, 8s, 9, 9a, 9s, 10, 10a, 11, 11U, 12X, 13, 13A, 16, 23, 23A, 41, 74, 74A, 74B, 74S, 85S, 86, 539, 580, 585, 585A, 585B, 585S, 735, X6, X30, X31
  • By Train View
    • University Square is approximately 0.8 Miles from Coventry Train Station and should take approximately 16 minutes to reach by foot.
      Coventry is on the main intercity route. Trains from London (Euston) leave every 30 minutes throughout most of the day with journey times of 1 hour to 80 minutes. It takes approximately 20 minutes to reach Coventry from Birmingham International Station.
      There are also daily services from Scotland and the Northwest, from Bristol, the Southwest and South Wales. In addition there are frequent services from Oxford, Southampton and Bournemouth, as well as Nuneaton, Rugby, Birmingham New Street and Birmingham International (for Birmingham International Airport and the National Exhibition Centre). Check the National Rail Enquiries website for more information.
  • Useful Links View
  • AccessAble Related Links View

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does not have its own dedicated parking.
  • 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 marked on street Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • The dimensions of the marked Blue Badge bays are 233cm x 644cm (7ft 8in x 21ft 2in).
    • The on street Blue Badge parking bay(s) is/are located on along Priory Street.
    • Clearly signed and/or standard marked parking bays are not available.
    • There are additional Blue Badge parking bays, which are signed but not marked, at the bottom of Priory Street, opposite the Cathedral (shown in photographs 4 - 6).
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Site/Campus Car Park

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located between TheHub and the James Starley Building.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are TheHub.
    • 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 and signposted.
    • There is/are 3 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 286cm x 600cm (9ft 5in x 19ft 8in).
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by Blue Badge holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • Signs are provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
    • Signs are clearly presented.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.

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 an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 140cm (4ft 7in).
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the card reader/lock is 115cm (3ft 9in).
    • 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 160cm (5ft 3in).
  • 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 slight.
    • 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 to the right as you face the entrance.
    • There is / are 3 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 (CWB40 Accessible Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the left 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 132cm (4ft 4in).
    • 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 180cm (5ft 11in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located to the right as you face the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp.
    • The ramp does not have handrails.

Outside Access (Staircase 2)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the rear of the building accessing staircase 2.
    • 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 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • 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 heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 150cm (4ft 11in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located to the right as you face the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
    • 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 handrails are on the left going up the ramp.
  • 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 11 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • There is 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).
  • Comments View
    • The entrance accesses the building between the ground and first floor in stairwell 2. The steps to the ground floor can be seen in photograph 5.
    • There is an alternate stepped entrance accessing into stairwell 1 on the first floor.
    • This entrance is accessed by 7 deep steps.

Entrance (George Eliot)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the rear of the building on the ground floor.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
  • Comments View
    • This entrance accesses the building on the first floor, however does not provide step free access.
    • To access the upper area of the first floor there are eight medium steps with a handrail on the left. This can be seen in photograph 2.
    • There are four medium steps to access the lower area of the first floor from the entrance. This can be seen in photograph 3.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the building via lift(s).
    • There is/are 4 clearly marked step(s), with a handrail on the left going up, for access to HLS: Employability Support.
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • There is a platform lift which overcomes the steps.
    • The steps can be seen in photograph 1.
    • There is/are 10+ clearly marked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to rooms 140 - 144 along the first floor corridor on the lower area of the first floor from the Charles Ward / George Eliot Lift.
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The level change consists of two sets of steps to reach rooms 140 - 144 with and additional set of steps to reach rooms 146 - 155. The first set of steps is part of the main staircase and consists of the eight deep steps with a handrail shown in photograph 2. There are then an additional four medium steps with handrails on either side located along a corridor to your left at the bottom of the previous set of steps. These steps lead to rooms 140 - 144 and are shown in photograph 3. Beyond these steps there are four additional medium steps with handrails on both side to reach rooms 146 - 155 which are shown in photograph 4.
    • There is a slight ramp, with no handrails, for access to rooms 201-207 and 215-220.
    • The ramp can be seen in photograph 4.
    • 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 good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • This building does not play background music.
    • There is a hearing assistance system.
    • The system is a fixed loop.
    • There are fixed loops located within lecture theatres CWB40, CW152 and CW215.
  • Comments View
    • The corridor in the lower area of the first floor may appear slippery. As is shown in photograph 6.

Lift (HLS: Employability Support)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to your left on entrance via the main entrance.
  • 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 weight limit for the lift is 225kg.
  • The lift is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 90cm x 105cm (2ft 11in x 3ft 5in).
  • 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 bright.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are B, G, 1 and 2.
    • The stairs are located in front of you on entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 5m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • Staircase Two is located to the far right of the building and accesses floor B, G, 1, 2. Staircase Three is located to the left and accesses floor B, G and 1 in the Charles Ward Building.

Lift (Charles Ward / George Eliot Shared Lift)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to your left on entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G (Charles Ward), 1 (Charles Ward) 2 (George Eliot), 3 (George Eliot), 4 (George Eliot), 5 (George Eliot) and 6 (George Eliot).
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 750kg.
  • The lift is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the main entrance (Charles Ward).
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 92cm (3ft).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 190cm x 88cm (6ft 3in x 2ft 11in).
  • 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 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 within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is medium.
  • Comments View
    • The lift accesses the Charles Ward Building on the ground and first floors and the George Eliot Building on second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth floors.

Lift (Charles Ward All Floors Lift)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located at the end of the corridor to your right on entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are B, G, 1 and 2.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • There are manual, heavy, single doors to access the lift lobby on all floors.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 630kg.
  • The lift is approximately 45m (49yd 8in) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 104cm x 138cm (3ft 5in x 4ft 6in).
  • 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 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 within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is bright.

Accessible Toilet (G12)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 35m (38yd 10in) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located down the corridor to your right on entrance.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared 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 77cm (2ft 6in).
    • The door is light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 190cm x 355cm (6ft 3in x 11ft 8in).
    • There is 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 122cm (4ft).
    • 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 fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are female sanitary disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • 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 a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • 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).
    • 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 poor.
    • There is a poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are bright.

Accessible Toilet (114)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located along the first floor corridor.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 190cm x 274cm (6ft 3in x 8ft 12in).
    • There is 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 108cm (3ft 7in).
    • 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 fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and non-infectious waste disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the left.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 106cm (3ft 6in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • 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 109cm (3ft 7in).
    • 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 poor.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • There is a poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are bright.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Location of Standard Toilet(s) View
    • There are male and female standard toilets facilities on the ground floor.
    • There are male standard toilets facilities on the basement floor and the first floor.
    • There are female standard toilets facilities on the first floor and the second floor.
  • Standard Toilet Surveyed View
    • A male standard toilet was surveyed.
    • The toilet surveyed is located to your right on entrance.
    • 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 6m from the main entrance.
    • 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.