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Courtyard Theatre

585 Doagh Road, Newtownabbey, BT36 5RZ

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About this venue

Connected to Ballyearl Leisure Centre, The Courtyard Theatre offers a friendly and intimate theatre going experience offering a wide selection of art classes and performing arts including community theatre, children’s theatre, drama and music. Just 10 minutes from Belfast, off the M2 at Sandknowes Roundabout, this 180 seat studio theatre also has free parking on site, and a fully licensed bar.

Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include meeting rooms.

Location

  • The venue is situated within the centre of the borough.
  • This venue is situated in Newtownabbey.
  • The venue is not situated on a road which has a steep gradient.
  • There is not a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest mainline station is Mossley West.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is free for all users.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot booked in advance.
    • There are 3 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 340cm x 480cm (11ft 2in x 15ft 9in).
    • The nearest designated bay is 9m (29ft 6in) from the main entrance.
    • The furthest designated bay is 10m (32ft 10in) from the main entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • There is a dropped kerb / non stepped access from the car park to the venue.
    • The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
    • The patron does not have to cross a road.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the venue.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main doors open towards you (pull).
  • The doors are double width.
  • The doors are heavy.
  • The door opening is 156cm (5ft 1in) wide.
  • Second set of doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The doors open both ways.
    • The doors are double width.
    • The doors are heavy.
    • The door opening is 168cm (5ft 6in) wide.

Level Change (Main Entrance)

  • There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
  • The ramp or slope is located leading down to the entrance.
  • The ramp or slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
  • The width of the ramp or slope is 122cm (4ft 0in).
  • There are steps to access this area / service.
  • The steps are located leading down to the entrance.
  • There is / are 4 step(s) to the area / service.
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The steps are medium.
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Customers can charge scooters or wheelchairs at the venue.

Reception (Theatre Desk)

  • The reception desk is 4m (13ft 1in) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to reception from the entrance.
  • The reception desk is medium height.
  • The desk has a lowered section.
  • Lighting levels are medium.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium.
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting level is medium.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the right as you enter the main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1.
  • The lift is 2m (6ft 7in) from main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 77cm (2ft 6in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 105cm x 135cm (3ft 5in x 4ft 5in).
  • 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 not have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within reach for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift controls do not have Braille markings.
  • The lift controls do have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is bright.

Outside Access (Leisure Centre Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the leisure centre.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main doors open both ways.
  • The doors are single width.
  • The doors are heavy.
  • The door opening is 91cm (2ft 12in) wide.
  • Second set of doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The doors open both ways.
    • The doors are single width.
    • The doors are heavy.
    • The door opening is 91cm (2ft 12in) wide.

Level Change (Leisure Centre Entrance)

  • There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
  • The ramp or slope is located leading up to the entrance.
  • The ramp or slope is permanent.
  • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp.
  • The width of the ramp or slope is 125cm (4ft 1in).

Reception (Main Reception)

  • The reception desk is 11m (12yd) from the leisure centre entrance.
  • There is level access to reception from the entrance.
  • The reception desk is medium height.
  • The desk does not have a lowered section.
  • Lighting levels are bright.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.

Theatre

  • There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
  • Designated seating is located at the rear of the theatre seating area.
  • Wheelchairs are left with the patron.
  • A companion may sit with you.
  • Companions sit next to you.
  • It is 12m (13yd) from the designated seating area to the nearest accessible toilet.
  • This venue does not provide audio described performances.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
  • A deposit is not required for the sound enhancement system.
  • There is a wheelchair to borrow.
  • To borrow a wheelchair,contact the venue prior to visit.
  • Concessions are available.
  • Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium.

Standard Toilet(s)

Toilet with Adaptations

  • There are accessible toilets within this venue designated for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial, tactile and Braille signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The accessible toilet is 2m (6ft 7in) from the main entrance.
    • The accessible toilet is located opposite the ticket desk.
    • There is level access to the 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 82cm (2ft 8in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 124cm x 250cm (4ft 1in x 8ft 2in).
    • Floor manoeuvring space is clear 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 76cm (2ft 6in).
    • 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 not a functional emergency alarm available.
    • It is tied up and out of reach (higher than 10cm (0ft 4in) from floor).
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a coat hook.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted 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 are mirrors in the accessible toilet.
    • 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 44cm (1ft 5in).
    • 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 sink.
    • The sink can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The sink is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the grab rails and wall is fair.
    • There is a fair colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Comments View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • The baby change facilities are located within the adapted toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.
    • There are alternative male and female standard toilets located on the first floor.

Additional Info

  • Documents are not available in Braille.
  • Documents are not available in large print.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.