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40 George Square Lower Ground Teaching Hub

The University of Edinburgh, Central Campus, George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9JX

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Access Guide

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Introduction

Rooms and Spaces Links

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • The Central Area is located on the south side of the city centre. Traffic congestion can be a problem, and parking is strictly controlled. Options to driving into the city centre include Park & Ride tram and bus car parks at the edges of the city.
    • A number of University car parks are located in the Central Area. 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
    • Buses from all over the city travel to the Central Area of the university. The University also provides a shuttle bus for staff and students between the Central Area and the King's Buildings. The majority of buses are operated by Lothian Buses. Up to the minute "real time" bus timetable information is now available at the majority of bus stops across the city. Information panels provided next to the majority of bus stops let you know when the next bus services will be arriving, or if there has been a delay.
  • By Train View
    • The Central Area of the university is 0.7 miles from Edinburgh Waverley Station. It should be noted that some of the walking routes may feature paths with steep gradients or steps given the landscape. Edinburgh has rail links throughout the UK. The East Coast mainline, which links Edinburgh and London King’s Cross, is the UK's fastest intercity railway: you can travel between the cities in around 4 hours. A sleeper service runs between London Euston and Edinburgh Waverley 6 nights a week. There are intercity links to other cities including Glasgow (45 minutes), and York, Newcastle or Aberdeen (all 2 hours). All trains arrive at Waverley Station in the centre of the city, although some trains also stop at Haymarket, which is a smaller station in the West End.
  • By Tram View
    • The Edinburgh tram service runs from Edinburgh Airport in the west, to York Place in the east end of the city centre, presently being extended to Leith north east of the city centre. The nearest stop to the Central Campus Area is Princes Street. The nearest stop to the Lauriston Campus and the ECA buildings, or to the Western General site, is West End.
  • Useful Links View

Useful Information

Site/Campus Car Park (Windmill Lane)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located to the rear of 40 George Square.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are 40 George Square.
    • 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 1 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 490cm x 630cm (16ft 1in x 20ft 8in).
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by Blue Badge holders and permit 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.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is sloped access to the car park from the 40 George Square Learning Hub.
    • This car park is not clearly signposted from the 40 George Square Lower Ground Teaching Hub.
    • The nearest designated bay is 14m (15yd 11in) from the 40 George Square Learning Hub Windmill Lane entrance.

Outside Access (George Square Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • There is step free access at this entrance, via lift.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The width of the door opening is 130cm (4ft 3in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The width of the door opening is 136cm (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 entrance doors.
    • There is / are 13 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are not clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The handrails are on both sides.
  • Lift View
    • There is a lift to access this entrance.
    • The lift does bypass the step(s).
  • Comments View
    • There are uneven surfaces in front of the entrance.

Lift (George Square Entrance)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located between the first and second entrance doors.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG, G.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 500kg 6 persons.
  • The lift is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the first door of the lower ground floor main entrance.
  • Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 94cm x 148cm (3ft 1in x 4ft 10in).
  • 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 does not have a hearing enhancement system.
  • The lift does 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 good.
  • Comments View
    • There is a metal threshold at the entrance to the lift.
    • There are push buttons to open the automatic lift doors.

Outside Access (Windmill Lane Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off Windmill Lane.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The width of the door opening is 124cm (4ft 1in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The width of the door opening is 124cm (4ft 1in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of 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 right going up the ramp.
  • 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 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.
  • Comments View
    • There is an alternate entrance into the shop which is a sliding automatic door with a width of 136cm.

Other Floors (50 George Square Link Staircase)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG, G.
    • The stairs are located from 50 George Square down to 40 George Square Lower Ground café.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • 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.
  • Comments View
    • The ground floor is in 50 George Square and the lower ground floor is in 40 George Square Learning Hub.

Lift (50 George Square Link)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located in front of you on entrance to 50 George Square at the end of the corridor.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG, G.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 18m (19yd 2ft) from the 50 George Square Entrance.
  • Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The lift door is manual, opens outwards and may be difficult to open.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 90cm x 146cm (2ft 11in x 4ft 9in).
  • 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 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 good.
  • Comments View
    • The ground floor is in 50 George Square (photograph 1) and the lower ground floor in 40 George Square Lower Ground Teaching Hub (photograph 2).

Outside Access (Lecture Theatres B & C)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the front left of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • 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 191cm (6ft 3in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located to your left immediately beyond the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
    • The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is not 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 114cm (3ft 9in).
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located immediately beyond 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 deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do not have handrails.
  • Comments View
    • There are two sets of similar entrance doors located here. The right hand set was locked at time of survey. Please left hand set marked C for entry.
    • There are two alternate sets of steps, one with no handrails opposite the entrance, and one with handrails on either side to the right as you enter.

Other Floors (Lower Ground Learning Hub - Lecture Theatres)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG, G.
    • The stairs are located to the right as you enter via the Lecture Theatres B and C entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 15m from the Lecture Theatres B and C entrance (40 George Square Lecture Theatres).
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • 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.

Lift (Lower Ground Learning Hub - Lecture Theatres)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the rear of the building.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG, G.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 630kg 8 persons.
  • The lift is approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the Lecture Theatres B and C entrance (40 George Square Lecture Theatres).
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 102cm x 142cm (3ft 4in x 4ft 8in).
  • There are 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 has a hearing enhancement system.
  • The lift does 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 good.
  • Comments View
    • The lower ground floor is the 40 George Square Learning Hub and the ground floor is the 40 George Square Lecture Theatres.

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 LG, G, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • There are manual, single doors which may be difficult to open to access the lift lobby on the third floor, on the fourth floor, on the fifth floor, on the sixth floor, on the seventh floor and on the eighth floor.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 1350kg 18 persons.
  • The lift is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) 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 dimensions of the lift are 160cm x 176174cm (5ft 3in x 5779ft 12in).
  • 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 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 good.
  • Comments View
    • Exiting the lift on the lower ground floor leads you into the 40 George Square Lower Ground Teaching Hub.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the building via lift(s).
    • There are no 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 and pictorial 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 play background music.
    • Music is played within the shop.
    • There is a hearing assistance system.
    • The system is a fixed loop.
    • Fixed hearing loops are located within rooms LG.06 - LG.12.

Eating and Drinking (40 George Square Café)

  • The following information is for the café.
  • The bar does serve food.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the lower ground floor entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 41cm (1ft 4in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 72cm (2ft 4in).
  • The standard height for tables is 71cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is 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 available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is sandwiches and hot and cold snacks.

Counter (Shop)

  • The counter is 5m (5yd 1ft) from the entrance.
  • There is level access to the counter from the entrance.
  • There is not a bell to attract attention.
  • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 105cm (3ft 5in).
  • The height of the counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • There is not a lowered section.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Lighting levels are bright.

Accessible Toilet (Cafe Area)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the George Square entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located to your right on entrance.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • 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 twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 198cm x 220cm (6ft 6in x 7ft 3in).
    • 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 128cm (4ft 2in).
    • 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, non-infectious waste 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 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 a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • 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 placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 76cm (2ft 6in).
  • 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 poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • There is a baby change in the cubicle at a height of 84cm.

Accessible Toilet (Rear)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is tactile and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the Windmill Lane entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located at the end of the corridor in front of you on entrance next to LG.07.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • 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 twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 242cm x 250cm (7ft 11in x 8ft 2in).
    • 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 both sides.
    • The lateral transfer space is 82cm (2ft 8in).
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • 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, non-infectious waste and open waste paper bin 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 not a hand dryer.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • 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 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 good.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located to the right as you enter via the George Square entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 15m from the George Square entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 87cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.