Access Guide
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
- The venue does not have its own car park.
- There is a public car park nearby.
- The name of the nearest car park is Oxford Street car park.
- View information on Oxford Street Car Park (opens new tab) .
- The nearest step-free train station is Lanyon Place.
- For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Google Maps (opens new tab).
-
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.
