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Bramall Music Building

University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include the Music Department general office, Electroacoustic Studios, seminar rooms, the Centre for Early Music Performance and Research, the Dome Rehearsal Room and the Elgar Concert Hall.

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • Approaching from the north west or south east along the M6: Leave at Junction 6 (signposted Birmingham Central) to join the A38(M). At the end of the motorway, keep to the right, go over a flyover, then through some underpasses to join the A38 Bristol Road. The University is on the right, two and a half miles from the city centre.
      Approaching from the M42 north: Leave at Junction 8 to join the M6 northbound and follow the instructions above.
      Approaching from the south west: Leave the M5 at Junction 4 (signposted Birmingham SW) to join the A38. The University is approximately eight miles from the motorway.
      Approaching from the M40: It is easier to turn south on the M42 and leave at Junction 1, heading north on the A38 Bristol Road. The University is approximately eight miles from the motorway.
    • There are various car parks located throughout the Campus which require permits for staff. Blue Badge holders can park on Campus and must use the intercom to Security to pass through the security barriers at each entrance.
  • By Bus View
    • Buses X20, X21 and X22 from the Bus Mall, Moor Street Queensway and Smallbrook Queensway travel along Pritchatts Road, and stop (stop ID nwmdmtjd) opposite the North East Car Park, around 60 metres from the Education Building.
      Buses 1a and 51s stop near the King Edwards High School on Edgbaston Park Road opposite the University’s Main Entrance (Stop ID: nwmdtawg) around 200 metres from the building.
      Numbers X61 and 63 travel from the Bus Mall, Moor Street Queensway, and from New Street Station, St Martin’s Queensway, to the Bristol Road, at the corner of Edgbaston Park Road (Stop ID: nwmatmap) around 600 metres from the building. The services all run frequently from the city centre.
  • By Train View
    • From Birmingham New Street Station around six trains an hour call at University Station and take 8-10 minutes. The ?nal destinations for trains are Bromsgrove, Redditch, Hereford and Cardiff Central. The Education Building is approximately 900 metres and 11 minute walk from University Station.
  • Useful Links View

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does have its own dedicated parking.
  • Building Car Park View
    • The car park can be used by Blue Badge holders and staff permit holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • The car park is located at the rear of the building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • There is/are 2 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 420cm x 480cm (13ft 9in x 15ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
    • The nearest designated bay is 65m (71yd 3in) from the lower ground 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 car park surface is tarmac.
  • 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 step free 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 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • 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 170cm (5ft 7in).
  • 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 170cm (5ft 7in).

Outside Access (Lower Ground Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the right hand side of the building on the lower ground floor.
    • There is step free 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 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • There is 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 when exiting.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 150cm (4ft 11in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of less than 2cm.
  • 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 push pad activated when exiting.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 180cm (5ft 11in).

Entrance (Ashton Webb Building - Student Hub to Bramall Music Building)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located between the two buildings.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The automatic door(s) is / are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 188cm (6ft 2in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The automatic door(s) is / are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 188cm (6ft 2in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located between the first and second set of doors.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp or slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
    • The ramp does not have handrails.

Eating and Drinking (Costa Bramall)

  • 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 2m (2yd 7in) from the main entrance.
  • The standard height for tables is 52cm.
  • There is 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 food.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the majority of the building.
    • There is/are 2 clearly marked step(s), with no handrails, for access to the choir seating and organ area of the stage.
    • The step(s) is/are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • This relates to photographs 9 & 10.
    • There is a slight ramp, with a handrail on the right going up, for access to the stage and the backstage area.
    • The width of the ramp is 105cm (3ft 5in).
    • The ramp or slope does bypass the step(s).
    • This relates to photograph 11.
    • There is/are 5 clearly marked step(s), with no handrails, for access to the stage from the stalls in The Elgar Concert Hall.
    • The step(s) is/are deep (18cm+).
    • This relates to photograph 12.
    • 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 not a hearing assistance system.

The Elgar Concert Hall

  • There are two heavy (pull) single doors to access The Elgar Concert Hall.
  • Both doors are 110cm wide.
  • There is an infrared sound enhancement system within The Elgar Concert Hall.
  • The stalls are accessed from the ground floor of the building.
  • The balcony is accessed from the first floor.
  • Designated seating is located at the rear of the stalls, and on the balcony as shown in photographs 9, 10 and 11.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG, G, 1, 2 and 3.
    • The stairs are located in the centre of the building, ahead from the main entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 10m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
    • 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.

Other Floors (Stage)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG, G and 1.
    • The stairs are located at the rear of the building.
    • The stairs are approximately 35m from the lower ground floor entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • There are manual, heavy, single doors to access the stairwell on all floors.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
    • 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.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located straight ahead on the right hand side of the building.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG, G, 1, 2 and 3.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 14m (15yd 11in) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 180cm (5ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 210cm x 350cm (6ft 11in x 11ft 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 have a hearing loop 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.

Lift (Stage)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located at the rear of the building.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG to Stage.
  • 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 lift is approximately 35m (38yd 10in) from the lower ground floor 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 110cm x 150cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 11in).
  • 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 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 medium.

Accessible Changing Room

  • There is a Changing Places facility available.
  • There is an/are accessible changing room(s) available.
  • The accessible changing room(s) surveyed is/are located at the rear of the building.
  • The accessible changing room(s) is/are approximately 26m (28yd 1ft) from the lower ground entrance.
  • The accessible changing room(s) is/are approximately 9m (9yd 2ft) from the stage lift.
  • The dimensions of the accessible changing room(s) are 410cm x 235cm (13ft 5in x 7ft 9in).
  • The fixtures/facilities available in the accessible changing room(s) include; a changing table/bench, handrails, a dropdown rail, a toilet, a wash basin and a wheel in shower.
  • There is level access to the accessible changing room(s).

Accessible Toilet (Lower Ground - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the lower ground outside entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located ahead from the lower ground 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 locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 188cm x 222cm (6ft 2in 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 120cm (3ft 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 female sanitary disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 160cm from the floor.
  • 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 placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (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).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 90cm.
  • 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 fair.
    • 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 moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • There is a baby changing facility within the accessible toilet.
    • The height of the table is 90cm.

Accessible Toilet (Ground Floor - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 26m (28yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the left of the Elgar concert hall entrance.
    • There are identical accessible toilets located on 1st and 3rd floors as shown in photographs 6, 7, 8 and 9.
    • 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 locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 220cm (4ft 11in 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 90cm (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 fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and open waste paper bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 160cm from the floor.
  • 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 placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 105cm (3ft 5in).
    • 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).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 90cm.
  • 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 fair.
    • 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 moderate to good.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Location of Standard Toilet(s) View
    • There are male and female standard toilets facilities on the ground floor and the first floor.
    • There are shared standard toilets facilities on the lower ground floor and the third floor.
  • Standard Toilet Surveyed View
    • A male standard toilet was surveyed.
    • The toilet surveyed is located directly ahead on the right hand side.
    • 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 13m 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.