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Waterfront Hall

2 Lanyon Place, Belfast, BT1 3WH

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Access Guide

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Overview

  • About View
    • This is a theatre and conference centre.
    • Facilities available in the venue include: an auditorium, studio hall theatre, and bars.
  • Parking and Public Transport View
  • Getting In and Around View
    • There is step-free level access at the most accessible entrance.
    • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas, this may include the use of a lift.
    • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: access to the toilet with adaptations and standard toilets to the right from the entrance on the ground concourse level and designated seating in Block A rows 13 and 14.
    • The following areas have stepped access: access to the male and female standard toilets to the right from the entrance on the ground concourse level and the majority of seating in the auditorium and studio hall.
    • Access throughout may include manual doors.
    • The Ground Level Concourse, Level 1 Gallery, Level A, Level 2 Gallery, and Level B can be accessed via a standard lift and stairs.
  • Getting Help and Assistance View
    • There is seating available.
    • There is a fixed hearing assistance system.
    • British Sign Language Interpreters can be requested prior to your visit.
    • Waterfront Hall is part of the JAM card programme, visitors can use this to communicate their accessibility needs discreetly.
    • There is not a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
    • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
    • Additional facilities/services include: phone charging points and Wi-Fi.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There are 4 toilets with adaptations.
    • Toilets with adaptations are located on the ground level concourse, in bar 1 on level B, in bar 2 on the level 2 gallery and the Arc Brasserie on level A.
    • The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.
    • Ambulant toilet facilities are located in all male and female toilets on the ground level concourse, in bar 1 on level B, in bar 2 on the level 2 gallery and the Arc Brasserie on level A.
    • The male and female step-free standard toilet facilities are located on the ground level concourse, in bar 1 on level B, in bar 2 on the level 2 gallery and the Arc Brasserie on level A.
    • The male and female standard toilet facilities are located to the right from the entrance on the ground concourse level.
  • Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
    • Parent and baby changing facilities are located in the toilets with adaptations on ground level concourse and the Arc Brasserie on level A.

Parking

  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is a public car park located in Lanyon Place.
    • The name of the car park is Oxford Street.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available in the car park.

Entrance

  • This entrance is located at the front of the building.
  • The approach to the entrance has bollards.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 143cm.
  • The doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is a second set of double automatic doors.
  • The second set of doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 143cm.
  • The second set of doors have a low visual contrast.

Reception

  • The reception is located to the left from the entrance.
  • The distance from the entrance is 15m.
  • There is step-free level access to the reception.
  • The height of the reception desk is 106cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the desk.
  • The height of the lowered section is 80cm.
  • The reception has windows.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There may be background noise in this area.
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.

Getting Around

  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas, this may include the use of a lift.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: access to the toilet with adaptations and standard toilets to the right from the entrance on the ground concourse level and designated seating in Block A rows 13 and 14.
  • The following areas have stepped access: access to the male and female standard toilets to the right from the entrance on the ground concourse level and the majority of seating in the auditorium and studio hall.
  • Access throughout may include manual doors.
  • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
  • The visual contrast between the walls and floor varies between low and high.
  • Some of the walls have a reflective finish.
  • There may be background noise.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
  • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
  • Seating available in the walkways includes: chairs without armrests and high stools.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.

Lift 1

  • The lift surveyed is located to the left from the entrance.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 35m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • The Ground Level Concourse, Level 1 Gallery, Level A Arc Brasserie, Level 2 Gallery and Level B Bar 1 are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a high visual contrast.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The external lift control buttons have a low visual contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 79cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 107cm (width) x 208cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a low visual contrast.
  • Some of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a separate door to exit, a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer and a list of floor services/facilities.
  • Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
  • There are other lifts available at this location which vary in size.
  • Lift 2 to the right from the entrance gives access to ground level concourse, and levels 1 and 2 galleries.

Lift 5 - Studio Hall

  • The lift surveyed is located to the right from the entrance.
  • The distance from the entrance is 50m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • The ground floor concourse level, studio hall ground floor and level 1 are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a high visual contrast.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The external lift control buttons have a low visual contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 78cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 108cm (width) x 134cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a low visual contrast.
  • Some of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a separate door to exit, a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer and a list of floor services/facilities.
  • Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.

Stairs (Main)

  • The stairs surveyed are located ahead from the entrance.
  • The ground level concourse and levels 1 and 2 galleries can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 20+ steps between floors.
  • The steps have some clear markings and have handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are easy to grip.
  • The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrails extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 16cm.
  • The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

Main Theatre

  • Theatre Information View
    • Advanced bookings are available.
    • Essential Companion or Carer tickets are limited in number for events. As a result, we may not be able to accommodate all requests.
    • Captioned performances are available for some performances.
    • A signer for performances can be provided when booked in advance.
    • Audio described performances are not available.
    • Autism friendly/relaxed performances are available for some performances.
    • Sensory friendly performances are available for some performances.
    • There is a fixed hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system could not be tested at the time of the survey.
    • A live feed of performances is available through a Wi-Fi based system called mobile connect.
    • Visitors can use headsets or listen through their hearing aids using the Sennheiser Mobile Connect App.
    • View information on access performances and provisions (opens new tab) .
  • Auditorium View
    • The most accessible route to the auditorium has step-free level access, manual doors and doors permanently held open.
    • There is step-free level access to a row of seating.
    • There is a designated seating area.
    • The following rows have step-free access via ramps or slopes: Rows 13 and 14 in Block A.
    • The following rows have stepped access: Rows 3-12 in Block A and all rows in Blocks B - Q.
    • View the seating plan/auditorium map (opens new tab) .
    • Seating available includes: chairs with armrests and flip-down seats without armrests.

Designated Seating (Main Theatre)

  • The designated seating area surveyed is located in Rows 1 and 2 of Block A.
  • The distance from the entrance is 60m.
  • The most accessible route to the designated seating has manual doors and doors permanently held open.
  • There is step-free level access to the designated seating.
  • There are double manual doors with a high visual contrast.
  • The doors open towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 189cm.
  • The designated seating area is not clearly marked or signed.
  • There are 2 designated spaces for wheelchair users.
  • The view from this seating area is restricted.
  • Companions sit next to you.
  • There is a member of staff available for assistance.
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The seating is fixed.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.
  • There is not a toilet with adaptations close to the seating area (within approximately 50m).
  • There are additional designated seating areas with step-free access via slight slopes in Rows 13 - 14 of Block A and Block E via lift.

Studio Hall

  • Theatre Information View
    • Advanced bookings are available.
    • Concessions are available.
    • Essential Companion or Carer tickets are limited in number for events. As a result, we may not be able to accommodate all requests.
    • Captioned performances are available for some performances.
    • A signer for performances can be provided when booked in advance.
    • Audio described performances are not available.
    • Autism friendly/relaxed performances are available for some performances.
    • Sensory friendly performances are available for some performances.
    • There is a fixed hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system could not be tested at the time of the survey.
    • A live feed of performances is available through a Wi-Fi based system called mobile connect.
    • Visitors can use headsets or listen through their hearing aids using the Sennheiser Mobile Connect App.
    • View information on access performances and provisions (opens new tab) .
  • Auditorium View
    • The most accessible route to the auditorium has step-free level access.
    • There is a designated seating area.
    • The following rows have stepped access: A - C, E - L and N - P.
    • Seating available includes: flip-down seats with armrests.

Designated Seating (Studio Hall)

  • The designated seating area surveyed is located at the front of Row D.
  • The distance from the lift is 18m.
  • The most accessible route to the designated seating has manual doors.
  • There is step-free level access to the designated seating.
  • There are double manual doors with a high visual contrast.
  • The doors open towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 168cm.
  • The designated seating area is not clearly marked or signed.
  • There are 10+ designated spaces for wheelchair users.
  • The number of spaces for wheelchair users varies.
  • The view from this seating area is clear from obstructions.
  • Companions sit behind you.
  • There is a member of staff available for assistance.
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The seating is fixed.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.
  • There is a toilet with adaptations close to the seating area (within approximately 50m).

Eating and Drinking (Gallery 1 Bar)

  • Location and Access View
    • The bar is located on the level 1, ahead from the lifts.
    • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into this area.
  • Service View
    • This area has a bar where drinks can be ordered.
    • Full table service is not available.
    • Menus are digital.
    • The following are available: drinking straws and takeaway cups.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Order and Payment View
    • The bar was surveyed.
    • The counter is located in the centre of the gallery area.
    • There is step-free level access to the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 115cm.
    • There is a lowered section at the counter.
    • The height of the lowered section is 72cm.
    • The counter has windows and patterned/distracting backgrounds.
  • Seating Area View
    • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
    • The flooring is patterned.
    • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
    • Seating available in this area includes: high stools.
    • Furniture available in this area includes: high tables.
    • The surface height of the tables is not suitable for wheelchair users.
    • The clear height under the tables is not suitable for wheelchair users.
    • There may be background noise in this area.
    • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
    • There are similar bars on the concourse at ground level and gallery 2 on level 2.

Eating and Drinking (Arc Brasserie)

  • Location and Access View
    • Arc Brasserie is located on level A, to the left from lift 1.
    • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into this area.
  • Service View
    • This area has a bar where food and drink can be ordered.
    • Menus are available on a board.
    • The following dietary requirements can be catered for: vegetarian.
    • The following are available: drinking straws and takeaway cups.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Order and Payment View
    • The service counter was surveyed.
    • The counter is located on the right hand side of the area.
    • There is step-free level access to the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 113cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
    • The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
  • Seating Area View
    • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
    • The flooring is shiny.
    • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
    • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
    • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
    • The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • The clear height under the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • There may be background noise in this area.
    • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.

Eating and Drinking (Bar 1)

  • Location and Access View
    • Bar 1 is on level B, to the left from lift 1.
    • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into this area.
  • Service View
    • This area has a bar where drinks can be ordered.
    • Full table service is not available.
    • Menus are available on a board.
    • The following are available: drinking straws and takeaway cups.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Order and Payment View
    • The bar was surveyed.
    • The counter is located on the right hand side of the area.
    • There is step-free level access to the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 104cm.
    • There is a lowered section at the counter.
    • The height of the lowered section is 76cm.
    • The counter has mirrors and patterned/distracting backgrounds.
  • Seating Area View
    • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
    • The flooring is patterned.
    • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
    • Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests and high stools.
    • Furniture available in this area includes: tables and high tables.
    • The surface height of some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • The clear height under some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • There may be background noise in this area.
    • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
    • Bar 2 is similar, with step-free level access from gallery 2.

Toilet with Adaptations (Level B - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located on level B, to the right from lift 1.
    • The distance from lift 1 is 3m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access and manual doors.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens inwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm.
    • The door has a twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is not a grab rail on the internal door.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 145cm (width) x 245cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 76cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a lever flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet has a padded backrest.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a low visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 86cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 72cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a low visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 86cm from the floor.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a low visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 92cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm but it was tied up at the time of the survey.
    • There is a full length mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin and a nappy/incontinence items bin.
    • There are no coat hooks.
    • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.