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Holyrood South

The University of Edinburgh, Holyrood South, Holyrood Road, Edinburgh, EH8 8BA

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Access Guide

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Introduction

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • The Central Area is located on the south side in the city centre. Traffic congestion can be a problem and parking is strictly controlled.
    • A number of university car parks are located in the near the Halls of Residences. 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. There is also the St John's Hill pay and display public car park located along Viewcraig Gardens.
  • By Bus View
    • There are bus stops around the area of the Halls. The nearest bus stops are located along Holyrood Road and serve route number six.
  • By Train View
    • The Halls are located is 0.4 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. A taxi can be taken to this site. 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. Or, if you prefer to travel overnight, a sleeper service runs between London Euston and Edinburgh Waverley 6 nights a week. There are great links to other cities too. The journey to Glasgow only takes 45 minutes, while York, Newcastle, Inverness or Aberdeen can be reached in about 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.

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 a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
    • The name of the car park is St John's Hill.
    • The car park is located along Viewcraig Gardens.
  • On Street Parking View
    • Clearly signed and/or marked on street Blue Badge parking bays are available (within approximately 50m of the building).
    • The dimensions of the marked Blue Badge bays are 200cm x 600cm (6ft 7in x 19ft 8in).
    • The on street Blue Badge parking bay(s) is/are located on Hollyrood Road.
    • 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 (South Hall Entrance Gate)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off Hollyrood Road.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The intercom is not in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
    • The intercom is at a height of 125cm.
    • A key fob is required for access at this entrance.
    • The card reader/lock is 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) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 165cm (5ft 5in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located immediately beyond the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is easy.
    • The ramp is permanent.

Outside Access (Flat 2)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off the courtyard.
    • 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) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • 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.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located leading from the South Hall entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is easy.
    • The ramp is permanent.
  • 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 not 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 (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The handrails are on both sides.

Outside Access (Common Room)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located opposite the flats 3 - 21 lift.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • A key fob is required for access at this entrance.
    • The card reader/lock is 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) 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).
    • 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) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • 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 left as you face the entrance.
    • 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 not have handrails.
  • 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.
    • The step(s) is / are not clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do not have handrails.
  • Comments View
    • There is a similar set of entrance doors to the left of the ones described above. Which can be seen in photograph 6.

Lift (Flats 3-21 lift)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to your right on entering the South Hall Courtyard.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1-2-3-4-5.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the South Hall Entrance Gate.
  • 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 94cm x 130cm (3ft 1in x 4ft 3in).
  • 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 loop 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 bright.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the building via lift(s).
    • There is an easy ramp, with a handrail on the left going up, for access to flats 22-45.
    • The ramp can be seen in photographs 1 & 2.
    • There is/are 2 clearly marked step(s), with a handrail on the left going up, for access to the common room game tables .
    • The step(s) is/are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • There is an easy ramp, with handrails on both sides, for access to the common room games tables.
    • The width of the ramp is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The ramp or slope does bypass the step(s).
    • The level changes can be seen in photographs 3 & 4.
    • There is/are 10+ clearly marked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to laundry and common room toilet facilities.
    • The step(s) is/are deep (18cm+).
    • There is an enclosed platform lift which overcomes the steps.
    • The steps can be seen in photograph 5.
    • 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 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 not a hearing assistance system.

Lift (Common Room)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located in the common room.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The platform lift accesses a small level change.
  • The lift is approximately 16m (17yd 1ft) from the common room 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 84cm x 132cm (2ft 9in x 4ft 4in).
  • 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 loop 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.

Accommodation

  • Location of Accessible Accommodation View
    • There is level access from an accessible entrance.
    • The room number viewed was 2.2.
    • The width of the door to the room is 76cm (2ft 6in).
    • The dimensions of the clear floor space are 170cm x 187cm (5ft 7in x 6ft 2in).
    • The bed is 60cm high.
    • The measurement between the bed base and floor is 35cm (1ft 2in).
    • Light switches are not within 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
    • There is not a functional emergency alarm in the room.
    • No emergency alarm is fitted in the room.
    • Assistance dogs are welcome to stay with residents in accessible accommodation.
  • Accessible Bathroom View
    • The information relates to the shared bathroom.
    • The dimensions of the bathroom are 245cm x 242cm (8ft x 7ft 11in).
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The width of the door to the bathroom is 86cm.
    • The door weight is heavy.
    • There is a functional emergency alarm in the bathroom.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • 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 in height.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • The measurement of lateral transfer space is 160cm (5ft 3in).
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet pan the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There are not mirrors.
    • Disposal facilities are not available.
  • Wheel In Shower View
    • There is a wheel in shower.
    • The shower head height is adjustable.
    • The type of shower controls used are lever.
    • There is a shower chair.
    • The shower seat height is 35cm (1ft 2in).
    • There are handrails available for the shower.
  • Colour contrast and lighting in accessible rooms View
    • The colour contrast between the external room door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The colour contrast between the internal room door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between external ensuite / bathroom door and wall is good.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Colour contrast and lighting in accessible bathroom View
    • The colour contrast between the internal bathroom door and wall is good.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor in the bathroom is good.
    • The colour contrast between the drop down rails and wall is poor.
    • The colour contrast between the grab rails and wall is poor.
    • Lighting levels are bright.
  • Auxiliary Aids - General View
    • None of the rooms have auxiliary aids for people with sensory impairments.
  • Ground Floor Rooms View
    • Ground floor rooms do have level access.
    • Adjoining rooms are not available.
  • Standard Rooms on Other Floors View
    • There are standard rooms on other floors.
    • The other floors can be accessed by lift.
    • There is not level access to standard rooms on other floors.
    • Adjoining rooms are not available.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1-2-3-4-5.
    • The stairs are located in front of you on entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 15m from the South Hall Entrance Gate.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
    • 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 separate staircase from the ground floor to the first floor at the rear of the building. This can be seen in photograph 3. There is a separate staircase at the rear of the building from 1-2-3-4-5-6. This can be seen in photograph 4.

Lift (Rear Lift Flats 22-45)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the rear of the South Hall area.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are 1-2-3-4-5-6.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the flats 3-21.
  • 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 94cm x 134cm (3ft 1in x 4ft 5in).
  • 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 loop 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 bright.

Accessible Toilet

  • There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the common room lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located to your right on exiting the lift.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex 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 is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 187cm x 228cm (6ft 2in x 7ft 6in).
    • 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • 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 waste paper pedal 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 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 118cm (3ft 10in).
    • 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 cannot 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.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Location of Standard Toilet(s) View
    • There are male and female standard toilets facilities on the ground floor.
  • Standard Toilet Surveyed View
    • A male standard toilet was surveyed.
    • The toilet surveyed is located at the bottom of the common room lift.
    • 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 4m from the common room 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.