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The CBSO (City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra) Centre

Berkley Street, Birmingham, B1 2LF

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About this venue

Built in 1998 to complement the performance facilities at Symphony Hall, CBSO Centre is the home of the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, its sister organisation Birmingham Contemporary Music Group and Ex Cathedra. Located in Birmingham city centre, the building is easily accessible from both Birmingham New Street and Birmingham Snow Hill stations as well as all major road networks.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Introduction

  • The building is only open to the public during concerts and for one hour before the start.
  • Concert times vary according to production.

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:30 - 18:00.
  • Tuesday 08:30 - 18:00.
  • Wednesday 08:30 - 18:00.
  • Thursday 08:30 - 18:00.
  • Friday 08:30 - 18:00.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Location

  • The venue is situated within the centre of the city.
  • This venue is situated in Birmingham.
  • 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 New Street.

Parking

  • The venue does not have its own car park.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located in Berkley Street.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The bell is in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
  • The main door(s) open automatically (towards you).
  • The doors are double width.
  • The door opening is 220cm (7ft 3in) wide.

Level Change (Main Entrance)

  • There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
  • The ramp or slope is located in front of the entrance.
  • The ramp or slope is permanent.

Reception

  • The desk is 4m (4yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to reception from the entrance.
  • The reception desk is high (110cm+).
  • The desk has a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are medium.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • This venue does play background music.
  • Music is played occassionally depending on production.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are adjustable.
  • Comments View
    • The fixed loop is located in the Ratcliff meeting room on the first floor.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located in the reception area, to the right as you enter.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1.
  • The lift is 14m (15yd 11in) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 220cm (3ft 7in x 7ft 3in).
  • There are 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 controls for the lift are within 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is bright.

Theatre

  • There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
  • Designated seating is located the front rows of the seating area.
  • Wheelchairs are left with the patron.
  • A companion may sit with you.
  • Companions sit next to the patron.
  • It is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the designated seating area to the nearest accessible toilet.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing system is a headset.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
  • The rows suitable for hearing assistance systems are all rows.
  • There is not a wheelchair to borrow.
  • Concessions are available.
  • Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium.
  • Comments View
    • The seating is not fixed and so designated spaces can be provided in different positions in the level part of the auditorium.
    • The headsets are used with an infra-red hearing assistance system.

Accessible Toilet (Ground Floor)

  • There are accessible toilets within this venue designated for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The accessible toilet is 18m (19yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • The accessible toilet is located in the reception area, to the right as you enter.
    • 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 98cm (3ft 3in).
    • The door weight is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 158cm x 210cm (5ft 2in x 6ft 11in).
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • 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.
    • The emergency 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 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.
    • 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 not a hand dryer.
    • 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 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 fair.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the grab rails and wall is poor.
    • There is a poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 98cm (3ft 3in).

Accessible Toilet (First Floor)

  • 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 signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The accessible toilet is 50m (54yd 2ft) from the lift.
    • The accessible toilet is located on the first floor.
    • There is level access to the accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • 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 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • The door weight is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 170cm x 214cm (5ft 7in x 7ft).
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • 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.
    • The emergency alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are not 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.
    • 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 not a hand dryer.
    • There is 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 sink.
    • The sink can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The sink is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is fair.
    • There is a medium colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the grab rails and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Standard Toilet(s)

Additional Info

  • Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • Documents are not available in Braille.
  • Documents are not available in large print.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • An assistance dog toilet area can be provided onsite.
  • The assistance dog toilet area is located in the yard at the rear of the venue.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not generally on duty.
  • This service can be requested.