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Back to Backs

55-63 Hurst Street, Birmingham, B5 4TE

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About this venue

On a fascinating guided tour, step back in time at Birmingham's last surviving court of back to backs; houses built literally back-to-back around a communal courtyard. Moving from the 1840s through to the 1970s, discover the lives of some of the former residents who crammed into these small houses to live and work. With fires alight in the grates, and sounds and smells from the past, experience an evocative and intimate insight into life at the Back to Backs. Once your tour is done, why not take a reminder of your visit home from the gift shop or take a sweet walk down memory lane in the 1930s sweet shop.

Access Guide

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Introduction

  • This is a courtyard of back to back houses from Victorian Birmingham. .
  • There is a video tour of the 2 storey Victorian houses.
  • The video tour is accessed via a 71cm wide door.
  • Opening times vary, please check the venues website or contact the venue for further information.

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 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.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
    • The name of the car park is The Arcadian Centre Public Car Park.
    • The car park is located on Bromsgrove Street.
  • On Street Blue Badge Parking View
    • On street marked Blue Badge bays are available.
    • The dimensions of the marked Blue Badge bays are 275cm x 540cm (9ft 0in x 17ft 9in).
    • On street Blue Badge parking is located directly outside the venue on Hurst Street.
  • On Street Standard Parking View
    • Clearly signed and / or standard marked parking bays are not available.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located on Hurst Street.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main doors open away from you (push).
  • The doors are single width.
  • The doors are light.
  • The door opening is 71cm (2ft 4in) wide.

Level Change (Main Entrance)

  • There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
  • The ramp or slope is located leading from the pavement to the entrance.
  • The ramp or slope is easy.
  • The ramp or slope is permanent.

Outside Access (Alternative Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located on Inge Street.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main doors open away from you (push).
  • The doors are single width.
  • The doors are light.
  • The door opening is 75cm (2ft 6in) wide.

Level Change (Alternative Entrance)

  • There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
  • The ramp or slope is located leading from the pavement to the entrance.
  • The ramp or slope is easy.
  • The ramp or slope is permanent.

Reception

  • The reception desk is 3m (9ft 10in) from the main 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 medium.

Inside Access

  • There is not level access to the service.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The system is a portable loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • Lighting levels are varied.

Level Change (Inside Access)

  • There are steps to access this area / service.
  • The steps are located between reception and the courtyard.
  • There is / are 2 step(s) to the area / service.
  • Lighting levels at the steps are medium.
  • The steps are not clearly marked.
  • The steps are deep.
  • The steps do not have handrails.
  • Comments View
    • These steps can be overcome by using the alternative entrance.

Accessible Toilet

  • 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 tactile and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The accessible toilet is 13m (14yd 8in) from the alternative entrance.
    • The accessible toilet is located in the courtyard.
    • 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 89cm (2ft 11in).
    • The door weight is light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 148cm x 214cm (4ft 10in x 7ft).
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 60cm (1ft 12in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is not 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 not 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 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • 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 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 good.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the grab rails and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the drop down rails and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Comments View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • The baby change facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.

Standard Toilet(s)

Level Change (Male Toilets)

  • There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
  • The ramp or slope is located directly in front of the entrance.
  • The ramp or slope is easy.
  • The ramp or slope is permanent.
  • The width of the ramp or slope is 74cm (2ft 5in).

Level Change (Female Toilets)

  • There are steps to access this area / service.
  • The steps are located directly in front of the entrance.
  • There is / are 2 step(s) to the area / service.
  • The steps are not clearly marked.
  • The steps are deep.
  • The steps do not have handrails.

Additional Info

  • Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • Documents are available in Braille.
  • Documents are available in large print.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
  • This service can be requested.