Skip to main content
The new name for DisabledGo

The Assembly Rooms

University of Durham, 40 North Bailey, Durham, DH1 3ET

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

Summary

  • Building View
    • Services / Facilities within the building include; the Theatre, Theatre Bar, Workshop Area.
  • Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities View
    • Accessible toilet facilities are located off the Bar Area on the first floor.
    • Female standard toilet facilities are located to the right of the theatre foyer on the ground floor.
    • Male standard toilet facilities are located to the right of the theatre foyer on the ground floor.
    • Shared standard toilet facilities are located in the changing rooms in the workshop area of the basement and in the staff only area of the second floor.
    • Standard changing facilities are located in the workshop area of the basement floor.
    • Standard shower facilities are located in the changing rooms in the workshop area of the basement.

Getting Here

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does not have its own dedicated parking.
  • Site/Campus Car Parks View
    • There is a site/campus car park for staff within approximately 200m.
    • The name of the car park is Palace Green Car Park.
    • The car park is located off Palace Green.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
  • On Street Parking View
    • Clearly signed and/or marked on street Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • The dimensions of the marked Blue Badge bays are 200cm x 1200cm (6ft 7in x 39ft 4in).
    • The on street Blue Badge parking bay(s) is/are located on along North Bailey.
    • Clearly signed and/or standard marked parking bays are not available.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • The Blue Badge bay can be seen in photograph 1.
    • The Blue Badge bay is only available for a maximum stay of three hours between 08:00 and 18:00 with no return within one hour.
    • Photograph 2 shows the Palace Green Car Park.
    • The Palace Green Car Park is only for the use of authorised staff permit holders and authorised visitor permit holders.

Approach

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is block paving.
    • The approach surface is uneven in places.
    • There is step-free access on the approach.
    • There is a slope with a very easy incline.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the theatre off North Bailey.
    • This entrance gives access to the landing between the basement and theatre foyer on the ground floor.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Assembly Rooms Theatre Since 1891'.
    • There is stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 130cm.
    • There are alternate entrance doors located to the left and right with an entrance width of 120cm.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is/are 4 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

Outside Access (Lift)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off North Bailey to the left of the main entrance.
    • This entrance gives access to the lift on the street level.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 115cm .
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 84cm.

Lift

  • The lift is for staff use only.
  • The lift is located off North Bailey to the left of the entrance.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 1m (3ft 3in) from the Lift Entrance.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are B, Street Level, G and 1.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 500kg.
  • There are manual, heavy, double doors to access the lift lobby on the ground floor.
  • There are manual doors to access the lift on the street level.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is not a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is high.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
  • The clear door width is 90cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 100cm x 128cm.
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is not a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are good.
  • Staff will need to be notified to use the lift from the street level.

Theatre Foyer

  • Theatre Foyer View
    • The theatre foyer is located in front of you on entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the theatre foyer, via lift.
    • There is step-free access throughout the foyer.
    • The type of flooring in the foyer is wood and laminate.
    • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • Wayfinding signage is available.
    • The nearest seating is located in the stalls.
  • Box Office View
    • There is a box office within the foyer.
    • The counter(s) is/are located in the centre of the foyer.
    • The nearest counter is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • The counter(s) is/are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the counter(s), via lift.
    • There is not a clear unobstructed route to the counter(s).
    • There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors at/behind the counter(s) which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The counter(s) is/are not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the counter(s) are good.
    • The height of the counter(s) is/are 100cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter(s).
    • There is a/are lowered section(s) of the counter(s).
    • The height of the lowered section(s) at the counter(s) is 76cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section(s) of the counter(s).
    • There is a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section(s) of the counter(s).
    • The counter(s) is/are staffed.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the counter(s).

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the majority of the building, via lift.
    • There are five steps to access the Tech Box on the first floor. There are four steps to access the workshop area on the basement floor. The Workshop area can be seen in photograph 1.
  • Circulation View
    • There are no doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • There are corridors/walkways with a surface width of less than 120cm (excluding any permanent obstructions over a small distance).
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is laminate, carpet, concrete and wood.
    • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • There are seats without armrests at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
    • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • Safe Place(s) View
    • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does not play background music in communal areas.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system in the communal areas of the building.
    • The corridor with a width of less than 120cm is in the staff only area on the second floor (photograph 2). Signage throughout the theatre is clearly written, tactile and braille.

Step(s)

  • Stepped Level Change 1 View
    • There is a/are step(s) located off the main stairwell on the first floor.
    • The step(s) is/are used to access the Tech Box.
    • There is/are 6 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on the left going up.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • The lighting levels at the step(s) are good.
    • These steps can be seen in photograph 1.
  • Stepped Level Change 2 View
    • There is a/are step(s) located between the lift on the basement floor and the Workshop on the basement floor.
    • The step(s) is/are used to access The Workshop from the lift on the basement floor.
    • There is/are 4 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 20cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on the left going up.
    • Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do not cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • The lighting levels at the step(s) are good.
    • These steps can be seen in photograph 2.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located in front of you on entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 2m from the main entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are B, G, Stalls & Circle Entrance, 1 and 2.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are good.
  • Other Information View
    • The main entrance access the building between the ground and first floors of the staircase. The stairs from the first to the second floor are for staff only. They have a handrail on the right for some of their length. There is no landing between the second and third floors.

Eating and Drinking

  • Location and Access View
    • The following information is for the bar.
    • The bar is located on the first floor next to the lift.
    • There is step-free access, via lift, to the bar.
  • Service and Menus View
    • Tables cannot be booked in advance.
    • There is a bar where drinks can be ordered.
    • Menu types include; written wall menus.
    • Menus are clearly written.
    • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
    • Staff can read menus to customers if requested.
    • Takeaway cups are available.
    • Adapted cups are not available.
    • Adapted cutlery is not available.
    • Drinking straws are not available.
    • This area does not play background music.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system .
  • Service Counter(s) View
    • The height of the counter is 100cm.
    • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section of the counter.
    • There is a moveable card machine available for payment.
    • The type of flooring in this area is wood.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Theatre Seating Area(s) (Stalls)

  • Theatre Information View
    • Concessions are available.
    • Tickets are free for companions/carers.
    • No performances are audio described.
  • Access to Seating View
    • The information below describes access to the Stalls.
    • The theatre area is located to the left of the Theatre Foyer.
    • There is stepped access to the theatre area.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 90cm.
    • The doors is/are permanently held open before and after performances.
    • There is a member of staff available for assistance at the doors before and after performances.
    • There is/are 13 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 17cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • The lighting level at the steps before and after performances is good.
    • The lighting level at the steps during performances is good.
    • The steps are not clearly illuminated during performances.
  • Theatre Area Information View
    • This information refers to the Stalls.
    • The type of flooring in the seating area is carpet.
    • There are seats with armrests on both sides.
    • The width of the rows of seating is 40cm.
    • The lighting level before and after performances is good.
    • The nearest accessible toilet is located in the bar area on the first floor.
    • There is not step free access to a row/rows of seating.
    • The access to the majority of seating is located either side of the seats (against wall).
    • There is stepped access to the majority of seating.
    • There is/are 13 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 17cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are wall mounted.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • Designated Seating Area(s) View
    • There is not designated seating available in this area.

Theatre Seating Area(s) (Circle)

  • Theatre Information View
    • Concessions are available.
    • Tickets are not free for companions/carers.
    • No performances are captioned.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system available in the theatre(s).
    • No performances are signed.
    • No performances are audio described.
  • Access to Seating View
    • The information below describes access to the Circle.
    • The theatre area is located of the main staircase between the ground and first floors.
    • There is stepped access to the theatre area.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 78cm.
  • Theatre Area Information View
    • The information below describes access to the Circle.
    • The type of flooring in the seating area is carpet.
    • There are seats with armrests on both sides.
    • The width of the rows of seating is 40cm.
    • The lighting level before and after performances is good.
    • The nearest accessible toilet is located on the first floor in the bar area.
    • There is not step free access to a row/rows of seating.
    • The access to the majority of seating is located to one side of the seats (against wall).
  • Designated Seating Area(s) View
    • There is not designated seating available in this area.

Theatre Seating Area(s) (Upper Circle)

  • Theatre Information View
    • Concessions are available.
    • Tickets are not free for companions/carers.
    • No performances are captioned.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system available in the theatre(s).
    • The hearing assistance system does not cover all areas of the theatre(s).
    • No performances are signed.
    • No performances are audio described.
  • Access to Seating View
    • The information below describes access to the Upper Circle.
    • The theatre area is located of the bar area.
    • There is step-free access to the theatre area.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm.
    • All doors accessing the area are not similar.
  • Theatre Area Information View
    • The information below describes access to the Upper Circle.
    • The type of flooring in the seating area is laminate.
    • The seats do not have armrests.
    • The lighting level before and after performances is good.
    • There is step free access to a row/rows of seating.
    • There is step-free access to the majority of seating, via lift.
  • Designated Seating Area(s) View
    • There is designated seating available in this area.
    • The nearest designated seating to this area is located Upper Circle.
    • The designated seating area(s) is/are not clearly marked/signed.
    • There is step-free access to the designated seating area(s), via lift.
    • There is/are 2 designated space(s) for wheelchair users.
    • Wheelchairs may be left with the patron.
    • The visibility of the stage from this seating area is good.
    • Companions/carers sit next to the patron.
    • There is sufficient space for an assistance dog to rest next to you.
    • The entire Upper Circle is for Designated Seating.

Changing Area (Dressing Room 1)

  • Changing Area View
    • There is a/are changing area(s) available.
    • The changing area that was surveyed is located to the rear of the Workshop Area on the basement floor.
    • The changing area is approximately 20m from the stairs to the Workshop.
    • There is step-free access to the changing area, via lift.
    • The facilities available within the changing area include; standard showers and standard toilets.
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 69cm.
    • The type of flooring in the changing area is laminate.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the changing area.
    • There are changing benches or seats within the changing area.
    • There are no lockers within the changing area.
    • There is not a water dispenser available.
    • Access to Dressing Room 1 is via an 18cm deep step which can be seen in photograph 3. Dressing room 2 - two deep steps to reach toilet and shower.
  • Shower Facilities View
    • Shower facilities are available.
    • There is stepped access to the shower facilities.
    • A deep step to access the shower.
    • The shower head height(s) is/are adjustable.
    • The shower control type(s) is/are twist/turn.
    • There is not a/are not wall-mounted grab rail(s) available for the shower(s).
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • Toilet facilities are available.
    • There is step-free access to the toilet(s).
    • An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is not available.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever.
    • The lighting levels in the toilet(s) are good.
  • Comments View
    • Dressing room 2 is located nearby there is level access into this dressing room. However there are two deep steps to reach toilet and shower in this dressing room.

Accessible Toilet(s)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located in the bar area located to your right on exiting the lift on the first floor.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet, via lift.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is Braille, pictorial and tactile signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 210cm x 240cm.
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 82cm.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a female sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 104cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf has the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
    • The shelf is at a height of 100cm.
    • The shelf is located where it is reachable.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 107cm (3ft 6in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is low.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 72cm (2ft 4in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 100cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 103cm (3ft 5in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is low.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is low.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The male toilet is located to the right of the Theatre Foyer.
    • There is stepped access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 10m from the lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is Braille, tactile and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 84cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are good.
    • There are 7 steps with clear contrasting and a height of 19cm to access the toilets. There is a handrail to the right going up at a height of between 90cm - 100cm. The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm. These steps can be seen in photograph 3.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The female toilet is located to the right of the entrance foyer.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 10m from the lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is Braille, tactile and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 84cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are good.
    • There are two female standard toilet cubicles which can be seen in photographs 4 and 5.