Access Report – BiCon 2023

BiCon 2023 Nottingham Trent University City Campus Access Report

This Access Report is accurate as of March 2023.
It covers the Newton Building, where our sessions will be held; the Loft, the upper floor of the Students’ Union which will be used for socialising in the evening; our on-site accommodation*; and the nearby area between/around each building.
This report uses data from AccessAble.co.uk, information from the venue and our own findings from a site visit.
We were not able to visit all of the lecture rooms or any of the accommodation as it was term time.
This Access Report was completed by a member of the team living with mobility, fatigue and sensory issues.
*Note 04/08/2023: We are really sorry we were unable to give detailed information about the accommodation until the day of the event – this was out of our hands and we are sorry there were unforeseen accessibility issues.

This is a long document which we recognise could be an accessibility issue for some people. If you feel this applies to you, please feel free to contact us via email with your specific queries or requirements.

If you require a personal assistant, an assistance dog or want to bring children to BiCon, please contact the team as soon as possible to discuss your needs.

Newton Building

Main Entrance, Reception & Forum

Outside Access, Goldsmith Street Main Entrance

There are 14 steps with a mid-level platform to access the main entrance. There are tactile markings at the top and bottom, and handrails on both sides.
There are manual revolving doors and a push-pad operated single door at this entrance. The opening to this door is 101cm.
Step-free access is available.
There is a ramp/sloped incline located to the right of the main entrance (which by-passes the steps) and a ramp off the mid-level platform to the left of the main entrance which leads to a lift.

Lift, Newton Arkwright Main Entrance

This is a platform lift.
The weight limit is 300kg for 2 persons.
The dimensions are 107cm x 148cm and the clear door width is 96cm
The controls are 90cm-120cm from the floor.
This lift is for public use, staff do not need to be notified.
There are separate entry and exit points and the doors are manual and light.
There is no mirror to aid with reversing.
The lighting is bright (outdoors).

Reception (Level 1)

There are security barriers at reception.
There are separate barriers for entry and exit.
They should be open at all times during BiCon.
Most barriers are 54cm wide, there is a wider one which is 89cm wide.

Main Building, Forum (Levels 0-1)

There is step-free access to all rooms in use during BiCon.
There are some doors in corridors that must be opened manually.
The flooring in the corridors is shiny and may produce glare.
There is good colour contrast between the walls and floors in the majority of corridors.
Lighting levels are very good (there is a lot of natural light from a huge skylight). There is a lot of white in this space that when well-lit might be uncomfortable for some people to look at for a long time.
There will be no background music.
There is no hearing enhancement system.

Main Lifts

There is a block of 6 lifts located to the right of the Main Entrance towards the Burton St. end of the Forum. These will be very clearly signposted.
There are two entrances to the block; one side has steps and the other has a ramp.
These are standard lifts that all go to all floors in use during BiCon.
The lift is called by external lift pre-selection buttons. The buttons have tactile markings. A visual indicator then identifies which lift is going to that floor.
The weight limit for each lift is 1600kg max. 19 persons.
The dimensions are 164cm x 194cm and the clear door width is 110cm.
Controls are within 90cm-120cm from the floor.
There are not separate entry and exit points.
There is a mirror to aid reversing.
There is a visual floor indicator and tactile markings.
There is an audible announcer.
There are no Braille markings.
There is no hearing enhancement system.
The lighting is bright.

Central Court Front Lift

This is a platform lift.
It is located to the left of the Main Entrance.
It can access floors 0-1.
The weight limit is 300kg for 2 persons.
The dimensions are 100cm x 135cm and the clear door width is 96cm.
The controls are within 90cm-120cm from the floor.
It does not have separate entry and exit points.
There is no mirror to aid reversing.
There is no audio announcer.
There is no Braille marking.
There are tactile markings.
The lighting level is medium.

World Kitchen (Level 1) – Registration, Thursday 3rd August 2pm-6pm

There is step free access.
There are double manual doors that open to 126cm wide (we will ensure these are held open throughout registration).
There is ample room for multiple wheelchairs.
Most tables are at wheelchair height.
Some tables and chairs are permanently fixed.
The flooring is vinyl and tiles.
Some of the flooring is patterned which may look like holes or steps to some people.
There is a single well-marked step towards the rear of the café.

Toilets, Accessible Toilets & Baby Changing Facilities

Toilets at BiCon will be heavily signposted.

Standard Toilets, Level 1

Standard toilets with urinals are located near the Burton St. Entrance, past the Main Lifts and to the right.
Standard toilets with stalls are located near the Burton St. Entrance, past the Main Lifts and to the left.

Standard Toilets, Level 0

Standard toilets with urinals are located towards the Burton St. end of the building, past the Main Lifts and to the right.
Standard toilets with stall are located towards the Burton St. end of the Forum, past the Main Lifts and to the left.

Accessible Toilets (Levels 0-1)

There are four separate accessible toilets across Level 1.
Two are located towards the front of the Central Court; one opposite Lecture Theatre 1 and one opposite Lecture Theatre 6.
Two are located near the standard toilets to the right and to the left of the Burton St. Reception.
There are four separate accessible toilets across Level 0.
Two are located towards the front of the Forum; one opposite Lecture Theatre 7 and one opposite Lecture Theatre 10.
Two are located near the standard toilets towards the Burton St. end of the Forum, past the Main Lifts; one to the right and one to the left.

These toilets are all very similar in size, layout and facilities. The information below applies to all of them, measurements are approximate for this reason.

A key is not required to use the accessible toilet.
The width of the accessible toilet opening is approximately 86cm.
The dimensions are approximately 150cm x 220cm with an unobstructed turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
The lateral transfer space is approximate81cm.
There is a flush on the transfer side (this is not a spoon flush).
There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
There are wall mounted grab rails available.
The door has a horizontal grab rail and a twist lock.
The door opens outwards and may be difficult to open.
The toilet has a backrest.
The height of the toilet seat is approximately 48cm above the floor.
The height of the toilet roll holder is approximately 110cm and it can be reached from seated on the toilet.
The wash basin and taps can be reached from seated on the toilet. The height is approximately 72cm from the floor.
The wash basin tap style is lever mixer.
There is a fixed soap dispenser that can be reached from seated on the toilet. The height is approximately 95cm from the floor.
There is a hand dryer. The height is approximately 99cm from the floor. There is no paper towel dispenser.
There are disposal facilities available.
There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
Lighting is good, the contrast between the walls and the floor is good and contrast between most fixtures is acceptable.
There is an emergency alarm and emergency pull cord.
Baby change facilities are located in some of the accessible toilets.

Parent & Baby Changing Areas (Levels 0-1)

Baby changing facilities are available on Level 1 in the accessible toilet opposite Lecture Theatre 6, and on Level 2 in the accessible toilet opposite Lecture Theatre 7.
There is a pop down baby change table available.
The height of the baby change table is approximately 92cm.
Disposal facilities are available.

Session Rooms

The rooms that will be in use for sessions at BiCon will be clearly signposted.
The doors to the rooms are heavy.

Large Lecture Theatre (LT2)

There are four entrances to the lecture theatre; two on Level 1 and two on Level 0.
The right hand entrance on Level 1 is automatic and the second set of doors is push pad activated.
There is step free access into the lecture theatre.
The corridor outside the lecture theatre is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
The door opening width is 75cm+.
There are designated spaces for wheelchair users at the front and the back of the lecture theatre and there is level access to these spaces.
There is sufficient space (150cm+) for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the lecture theatre.
There is step free access to the speaker’s area at the front of the lecture theatre.
The height of the speaker’s desk/table is 83cm.
The speaker’s desk/table is not height adjustable.
The height of the lectern is 102cm.
The lectern is not height adjustable.
There is staggered seating within the lecture theatre and there are no handrails.
The clear floor space beneath the tables is 70cm.
There is a hearing enhancement system in the lecture theatre.
There is no visual fire alarm beacon in the lecture theatre.
The floor coverings are not even.
There are electrical plug socket covers on the floor.

LT7 (Level 0)

There is step free access into the room.
The doors are not push pad activated.
The door opening is 75cm+.
The corridor outside the room is sufficiently wide for a wheelchair user to pass (150cm+).
There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the room.
There is step free access to the speaker’s area.
The height of the speaker’s desk/table is 83cm.
The speaker’s desk/table is not height adjustable.
There is not fixed furniture within the room.
The clear floor space beneath the tables/desks (if used) is 70cm.
The floor is carpeted.
The floor coverings in the room are not even.
There are loose electrical socket covers on the floor.
The lighting is good.
There is no hearing enhancement system.
There is space for an assistance dog.
There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room.

LT8 (Level 0)

There is step free access into the room.
The doors are not push pad activated.
The door opening is 75cm+.
The corridor outside the room is sufficiently wide for a wheelchair user to pass (150cm+).
There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the room.
There is step free access to the speaker’s area.
The height of the speaker’s desk/table is 83cm.
The height of the lectern is 84cm.
The lectern is not height adjustable.
The speaker’s desk/table is not height adjustable.
There is not fixed furniture within the room.
The clear floor space beneath the tables/desks (if used) is 70cm.
The floor is carpeted.
The floor coverings in the room are not even.
There are raised plug socket covers, which may cause a trip hazard.
The lighting is good.
There is no hearing enhancement system.
There is space for an assistance dog.
There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room.

LT9 (Level 0)

There is step free access into the room.
The doors are not push pad activated.
The door opening is 75cm+.
The corridor outside the room is sufficiently wide for a wheelchair user to pass (150cm+).
There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the room.
There is step free access to the speaker’s area.
The height of the speaker’s desk/table is 83cm.
The speaker’s desk/table is not height adjustable.
There is not fixed furniture within the room.
The clear floor space beneath the tables/desks (if used) is 70cm.
The floor is carpeted.
The floor coverings in the room are not even.
There are loose electrical socket covers on the floor.
The lighting is good.
There is no hearing enhancement system.
There is space for an assistance dog.
There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room.

LT10 (Level 0)

There is step free access into the room.
The doors are not push pad activated.
The door opening is 75cm+.
The corridor outside the room is sufficiently wide for a wheelchair user to pass (150cm+).
There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the room.
There is step free access to the speaker’s area.
The height of the speaker’s desk/table is 83cm.
The speaker’s desk/table is not height adjustable.
There is not fixed furniture within the room.
The clear floor space beneath the tables/desks (if used) is between 64cm to 70cm.
The floor is carpeted.
The floor coverings in the room are not even.
There are loose electrical socket covers on the floor.
The lighting is good.
There is a hearing enhancement system.
There is space for an assistance dog.
There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room.

The Loft (Students’ Union Bar, 6pm-12am)

Outside Access

This information is for the entrance on the front right hand side of the building off Shakespeare Street.

There is step free access
There is not a bell, buzzer or intercom.
The main doors open towards you (pull).
These are double doors and are heavy.
The width of the door opening is 164cm.
There is then a set of automatic double doors that open towards you.
The doors are push pad operated.
The width of the door opening is 185cm.

Location and Access

The Loft is located on the first floor.
There is step free access to the loft by lift.
For access there are manual double doors that may be difficult to open.

Lift (Ground Floor to First Floor)

The lift is located ahead and to the left as you enter the Shakespeare St. entrance described earlier.
The lift is a standard lift.
The dimensions of the lift are 118cm x 140cm.
The weight limit is 630kg.
The clear door width is 90cm.
There are separate entry and exit doors.
There is 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 have Braille markings.
The lift does have tactile markings.
The controls are within 90-120cm from the floor.
The lighting level is medium.

The Bar

The height of the counter is 109cm.
There is a moveable card reader for payment.
Lighting levels can be adjusted by staff.

Tables and Seating

The majority of tables are accessible to wheelchair users.
The surface height of the lowest table is 41cm.
The surface height of the highest table is 104cm.
The dining tables vary in height (from the floor to underside of the table) between 70-74cm.
No tables are permanently fixed.
Some chairs are permanently fixed.
Some chairs have armrests on both sides.
There is ample room for wheelchair users to manoeuvre.
The flooring in this area is vinyl and laminate.
There is some flooring that includes patterns or colours that could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
Lighting levels are moderate to good and can be adjusted by a member of staff on request.

Standard Toilets

There are standard toilets (one with urinals and one without) located to the rear of The Loft.
There are some clearly marked steps from the bar area to where these toilets are.
There are handrails on both sides of the steps.

Accessible Toilet

There is a non-gendered accessible toilet to the far left of The Loft.
There is step free access.
A key is required to use this toilet.
The key is a Radar key and one can be obtained from a member of staff.
The contrast between the external door and the wall is good.
The door opens outwards.
The door is light (not heavy).
The door is locked by a locking handle.
The width of the toilet door opening is approximately 87cm.
The dimensions of the accessible toilet are approximately 164cm x 208cm.
The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
The contrast between the internal door and the wall is poor.
The door has a horizontal grab rail.
The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and the door is fair.
There is lateral transfer space of 91cm.
There is a drop down rail on the transfer side.
There are horizontal and vertical wall-mounted grab rails.
The contrast between the drop down rail, wall-mounted grab rails and the wall is good.
There is an emergency alarm and functional emergency pull cord.
There is a flashing red fire beacon.
There are disposal facilities available in the accessible toilet.
There are coat hooks in the accessible toilet, one at 100cm and one at 140cm from the floor.
There is a mirror which is placed at a lower level for ease of use.
The toilet has a cistern.
The height of the toilet seat is 46cm from the floor.
There is a toilet roll holder.
The toilet roll holder can be reached while seated on the toilet.
The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm.
The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
There is a wash basin.
The wash basin and taps are reachable while seated on the toilet.
The wash basin is not higher than 74cm.
There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail by the basin.
The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
There is a wall-fixed soap dispenser.
The soap dispenser cannot be reached while seated on the toilet.
The height of the soap dispenser is 113cm.
There is no paper towel dispenser.
There is a hand dryer.
The hand dryer is not higher than 100cm.
The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is fair.