Skip to main content

Storyhouse

55-57 Watergate Row South, Chester, Cheshire, CH1 2LE

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include a library, theatres, cinema and restaurant/bar.

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:00 - 10:00.
  • Tuesday 08:00 - 10:00.
  • Wednesday 08:00 - 10:00.
  • Thursday 08:00 - 10:00.
  • Friday 08:00 - 10:00.
  • Saturday 08:00 - 10:00.
  • Sunday 09:00 - 10:00.

Location

  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Chester.

Parking

  • The venue does not have its own car park.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The width of the door opening is 163cm (5ft 4in).

Level Change (Main Entrance)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp or slope is located to the right as you face the entrance.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp does have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 120cm (3ft 11in).
  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
  • There is/are 2 step(s) to the area/service.
  • There is tactile paving at the top and bottom of the steps.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The system is a portable loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • This venue does play background music.
  • Music is played in the social areas.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are varied.
  • Comments View
    • The ticket collection machines are located to the far left of the building on the ground floor.

Eating and Drinking (The Kitchen)

  • The following information is for the restaurant/bar.
  • The restaurant is located on the ground floor, to the left as you enter the main entrance.
  • The bar does serve food.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • There is a lowered section at the counter.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 18m (19yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 65cm (2ft 2in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The standard height for tables is 72cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is not available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Children are welcomed in the bar area.
  • Menus are hand held only.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are available in large print.
  • Picture menus are not available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.

Library

  • This library does not have a regular supply of books in Braille.
  • This library does have a regular supply of books in large print.
  • This library does have a regular supply of books in audio format.
  • There is an ordering service.
  • The library does not have computers with accessible software.
  • Auxiliary aids are not available for computer users.
  • Comments View
    • There are some library staff members who know basic Makaton.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1 and 2.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • 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 to the left as you enter.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2 and 4.
  • The lift is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 98cm (3ft 3in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 240cm (3ft 7in x 7ft 10in).
  • 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 have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is medium.
  • Comments View
    • There are two lifts in the building. The lift in the lobby gives access the Mezzanine and Cinema and the second lift at the far left of the building gives access to the Theatres and Garret Bar.

Theatre (Storyhouse Theatre)

  • There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
  • Designated seating is located the stalls, circle and gallery levels.
  • Wheelchairs are left with the patron.
  • A companion may sit with you.
  • Companions sit next to you.
  • It is 28m (30yd 1ft) from the designated seating area to the nearest accessible toilet.
  • This venue does 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 not a wheelchair to borrow.
  • Concessions are available.
  • Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium.

Theatre (Garret)

  • There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
  • Designated seating is located the front row.
  • Wheelchairs are left with the patron.
  • A companion may not sit with you.
  • It is 5m (5yd 1ft) from the designated seating area to the nearest accessible toilet.
  • This venue does 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 not a wheelchair to borrow.
  • Concessions are available.
  • Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium.

Cinema

  • The cinema has 1 screens.
  • All screens have level access.
  • Seating and additional access information View
    • Films are mainly mainstream and art.
    • There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
    • Designated spaces are situated at the back of the cinema.
    • Wheelchairs may be left with the patron.
    • A companion may sit near you.
    • Companions sit next to you.
    • It is 10m (10yd 2ft) from the accessible toilet to the furthest screen.
    • This venue does have audio description.
    • There is a hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing system is a fixed loop.
    • Staff are trained to use the system.
    • A deposit is not required for the sound enhancement system.
    • The rows suitable for hearing assistance systems are G.
    • Subtitles are available.
    • Assistance dogs are allowed in the cinema.
    • There is not a wheelchair to borrow.
  • Comments View
    • The Cinema is located on the second floor.

Eating and Drinking (Garret Bar)

  • The following information is for the bar.
  • The bar is located on the fourth floor.
  • The bar does not serve food.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 14m (15yd 11in) from the lift.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 45cm (1ft 6in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 70cm (2ft 4in).
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Children are not welcomed in the bar area.

Level Change (Garret Bar)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located on the fourth floor, on the approach to the Garret Bar.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp does not have handrails.

Changing Places

  • Location and access View
    • The facility is located on the ground floor, to the left as you enter.
    • The facility is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the main entrance.
    • There is level access to the facility.
  • Dimensions and features View
    • You do not need a key for the facility.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The width of the door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the facility are 235cm x 450cm (7ft 9in x 14ft 9in).
    • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
    • The facility changing bench is free standing.
    • The length of the facility changing bench is 180cm (5ft 11in).
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
    • The overhead hoist covers all areas in cubicle.
    • The sling is attached to the hoist by hook and loop.
    • The facility toilet has a transfer space on one side only.
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 78cm (2ft 7in).
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • Drop down rails are provided.
    • As you face the toilet the drop down rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • The type of wash basin is adjustable.
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available at the wash basin.
    • As you face the wash basin, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • A privacy screen is available.
    • Wide tear off paper roll is available.
    • The facility has a non slip floor.
    • A functioning emergency alarm is available.

Accessible Toilet

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is written text and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 13m (14yd 8in) from the main entrance.
    • The accessible toilet is located to the left as you enter.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is not a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from staff.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 180cm x 210cm (5ft 11in x 6ft 11in).
    • There is sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 117cm (3ft 10in).
    • 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 an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary and general domestic waste disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf is not higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • There is a mirror.
    • 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 47cm (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 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 wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin 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 wall-mounted grab rail(s) 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 bright.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located in the accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 76cm (2ft 6in).
  • Comments View
    • Additional accessible toilets are located on the second and fourth floors.

Standard Toilet(s)

Additional Info

  • Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • Documents can be requested 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.