The ESLC is towards the north-east side of University Park. It’s within a relatively built-up area of the campus, known as “Science City” or the “Science Area”.
Starting with the building itself, and working backwards to the various ways to get there…
Engineering & Science Learning Centre
The Tower Building makes a good landmark; it’s visible from a long way around, and it’s near the ESLC.
The ESLC is easily recognisable by its curved roof.
From the main path, there’s a slope downwards towards the main entrance. The gradient is roughly 1 in 10 or 1 in 12.
All the front doors are automatic.
The main entrance takes you straight into the atrium.
(When I made this page, it was for a ground floor event, so I haven’t documented going in the lift.)
The two ways into the main lecture room are both on the wall furthest from the main entrance. They’re not visible as you enter the building; go to the far wall and turn either left or right to see one. This pic is of the left-hand door.
The floor is flat, and the chairs can be rearranged – it’s not fixed seating.
(On the day I was taking photos, we couldn’t get in to the lecture room, as it was locked.)
Disabled parking
None of the disabled parking is absolutely next to the front door of the building. The two closest spaces I’ve seen are two individual ones at the base of the tower, behind the ESLC building. Next closest is the little Blue Badge car park near the Maths building. There is also free parking for Blue Badge holders on the main car park.
To park in any of the reserved spaces, you will need either an actual Blue Badge, or a permit from the University.
Getting there
So, depending on how you’re travelling and whether you need a Blue Badge parking space, here are some various options of routes and information:
On the 34 orange line bus from the city centre: The bus takes you onto campus via North Entrance. Bus stop and timetable is described here. Then take the “front way in” to Science City, past the Science Library. From the “Science Department” bus stop, the distance to the ESLC is around 350m/400m. The 34 buses are meant to always have wheelchair access, and they’re fairly frequent.
From the city centre on a bus which stops outside North Entrance, or if coming that way by bike or walking: Come onto campus at the North Entrance. Then, for a shortcut which cars can’t use, take the “back way in” to Science City, past Cripps Computing Centre.
Parking, or dropping someone off, at the one Blue Badge (disabled) parking space north of Tower: Come onto campus at the North Entrance. Then take the “back way in” to Science City, past Cripps Computing Centre.
Parking in the main visitor car park: Come onto campus at the North Entrance. Turn off to the car park. Then take the “front way in” to Science City, past the Science Library. From the main visitor car park to the ESLC is around 400m/500m.
Note: These are not the only ways onto campus! If you’re coming from Beeston, or cycling from town along Castle Boulevard, other routes may be quicker or easier for you. I’ve concentrated here on routes which make sense coming from town, as that’ll be what most newcomers need.
