Access Guide
Getting to Harrogate Convention Centre and General Information
Auditorium Information
- The designated seating within the auditorium is located in Block H, on Level 6A.
- Advanced bookings are available.
- Concessions are available.
- Tickets are free for companions/carers.
- There is a hearing assistance system available in the auditorium(s).
- There is a/are headset hearing assistance system(s) in the auditorium(s).
- The hearing assistance system does cover all areas of the auditorium(s).
- The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
- Some performances are captioned.
- Captioned performances may be available from the event/performance organisers/promoters.
- N/A performances are signed.
- Signed performances may be available from the event/performance organisers/promoters.
- Audio described performances may be available from the event/performance organisers/promoters.
- Relaxed performances may be available from the event/performance organisers/promoters.
Access To (Auditorium)
- The Auditorium Foyer is located on the fourth floor.
There is step-free access to the Auditorium Foyer via Car Park 1. The most direct external route involves a steep slope or steps.
There are alternative routes to the Auditorium Foyer, depending on the designated entrance for the event.
Longer alternative routes are step-free but may require use of a stair platform or standard lift.
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Outside Access (Entrance 1)
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Entrance
View
- This information is for the entrance located to the north-east of the building, off King's Road.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- This entrance is signed with 'ENTRANCE 1'.
- There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
- The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is not an intercom.
- The main door(s) open(s) both ways.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The door(s) may be difficult to open.
- The width of the opening is 175cm.
- There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.
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Ramp/Slope
View
- The ramp/slope is located diagonally to the right, in front of the entrance.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
- The width of the ramp/slope is 104cm (3ft 5in).
- The ramp does not have resting areas.
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
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Step(s)
View
- The step(s) is/are located directly in front of the entrance, leading up from King's Road.
- There is/are 13 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The step(s) has/have tactile paving at the top and bottom.
- 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 a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the step(s).
- 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.
Lift (Car Park 1, Entrance 1 and Auditorium Lift)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located within Car Park 1, or to the right having entered the building via Entrance 1.
- Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the Entrance 1.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are Levels 1 (Car Park 1), 2, 3 (Hall Q), 4 (Auditorium Foyer), 5, 6A ( Auditorium Designated Seating), 6B and 7.
- There are manual, single doors that may be difficult to open to access the lift lobby on some levels.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
- There is 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 low.
- The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is low.
- The clear door width is 89cm (2ft 11in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 155cm x 163cm (5ft 1in x 5ft 4in).
- There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is 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 have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting levels in the lift are moderate to good.
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Comments
View
- There is a slight slope leading up to the lift lobby area from Car Park 1.
- There is a similar second lift adjacent to the one detailed above.
- This lift is for those with access requirements only during both entertainment events and conferences.
- The lift is key card operated for access to most floors.
- There is no key card required for access between level 1 (car park 1) and level 4 (auditorium foyer).
- A key card is required to access level 6A (designated seating in section H).
- For entertainment events, the lift is manned.
- For conferences, the lift can be configured to allow access to relevant levels without the need of an access card.
- Alternatively, for conferences an access card can be provided to allow use of the lift.
Escalator(s) (Access Between Levels 1 (Car Park 1) and 4)
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Escalator(s)
View
- Escalators can be used to access other floors.
- The escalator(s) is/are located between Level 1 (Car Park 1) and Level 4.
- Signs indicating the location of the escalator(s) are clearly visible from the entrance.
- The escalators go both up and down.
- The floors which are accessible by escalator(s) are Levels 1 and 4.
- The escalator(s) steps are clearly marked.
- The foot and head of the escalator(s) are not clearly marked.
- The lighting levels at the escalator(s) are moderate to good.
Counter (Box Office)
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Counter
View
- The counter is located to the right as you enter via Entrance 1.
- The counter is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the Entrance.
- The counter is clearly visible from the entrance.
- There is step-free access to the counter.
- This counter/reception is mainly used as a box office for ticket collections prior to an event.
- There is a clear unobstructed route to the counter.
- There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the counter which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- The counter is not placed in front of a plain background.
- The lighting levels at the counter are varied.
- The height of the counter is 92cm.
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- There is not a lowered section of the counter.
- The counter is staffed.
- There is a hearing assistance system at the counter.
- The type of system is a fixed loop.
- The hearing assistance system is signed.
- Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
- The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
- Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are not provided near the counter.
- The type of flooring in this area is tiles.
Counter (Multipurpose/Bull Ring)
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Counter
View
- The counter is located on Level 4, ahead as you enter via Entrance 1.
- The counter is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the Entrance.
- The counter is clearly visible from the entrance.
- There is step-free access to the counter.
- The function of this counter is dependent on the event organisers. Possible functions include, box office, welcome desk, registration desk etc.
- There is a clear unobstructed route to the counter.
- There are no windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the counter which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- The counter is not placed in front of a plain background.
- The lighting levels at the counter are varied.
- The height of the counter is 113cm.
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- There is not a lowered section of the counter.
- The counter is staffed.
- There is not a hearing assistance system at the counter.
- Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are not provided near the counter.
- The type of flooring in this area is tiles.
- There is flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
Counter (Cloakroom)
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Counter
View
- The counter is located ahead and to the right as you enter via Entrance 1.
- The counter is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the Entrance 1.
- The counter is clearly visible from the entrance.
- There is step-free access to the counter.
- There is a clear unobstructed route to the counter.
- There are no windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the counter which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- The counter is placed in front of a plain background.
- The lighting levels at the counter are varied.
- The height of the counter is 94cm.
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- There is not a lowered section of the counter.
- The counter is staffed.
- There is a hearing assistance system at the counter.
- The type of system is a fixed loop.
- The hearing assistance system is signed.
- Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
- The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
- The type of flooring in this area is tiles.
Getting Around
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Access
View
- There is step-free access throughout the building.
- There is/are 10+ clearly marked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to a lowered area of the level 5 breakout space.
- 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 moderate to good.
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Circulation
View
- There are not doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
- The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet and tiles.
- There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
- There is low colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of corridors/walkways.
- There are seats with armrests on both sides at regular intervals.
- The lighting levels are varied.
- Access to other floors/levels is via escalator and lift.
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Signage
View
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
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Safe Place(s)
View
- There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
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Audio
View
- This venue does not play background music in public areas.
Toilet with Adaptations (Level 4 - Right Hand Transfer)
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
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Location and Access
View
- This accessible toilet is located on Level 4, to the rear of the foyer area.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the Entrance 1.
- There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- The contrast between the external door and wall is low.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is easy to open.
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
- 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.
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Dimensions and Features
View
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 145cm x 215cm (4ft 9in x 7ft 1in).
- The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
- The lateral transfer space is 60cm (1ft 12in).
- The transfer space is obstructed by sanitary vending machine.
- 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 height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- The toilet has a cistern.
- 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 not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 99cm (3ft 3in).
- The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is high.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is medium.
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Additional Fixtures and Fittings
View
- 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 nappy/incontinence items bin and general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
- There is a mirror.
- The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- 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 73cm (2ft 5in).
- 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 113cm.
- 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 128cm (4ft 2in).
- The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is high.
- There is not a hand dryer.
Standard Toilet(s) (Level 4)
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Toilet Facilities
View
- The female and male toilets are located on Level 4, ahead as you enter at the rear of the foyer.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 20m from the Entrance 1.
- The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is low.
- There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
- There are horizontal wall mounted rails available on both sides of the toilet.
- The height of the wash basin(s) is 78cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
- Lighting levels are good.
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Baby Changing Facilities
View
- Baby change facilities are available in both the female and male toilets.
- There is a flip down baby change table available.
- The height of the baby change table is 95cm.
Ramp(s) / Slope(s) and Step(s) (Access Between Levels 4, 5 and Auditorium)
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Ramp / Slope
View
- There is a ramp/slope located in the Centre of the Level 4 foyer.
- The ramp/slope is used to access Level 4 (Foyer), Level 5 (Breakout Space) and Auditorium.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
- The handrail(s) is/are on the left going up the ramp.
- The ramp does not have resting areas.
- The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are moderate to good.
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
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Step(s)
View
- There is a/are step(s) located between Level 5 and Auditorium.
- The step(s) is/are used to access Level 5 and Auditorium.
- There is/are 12 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 15cm.
- The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on the right going up the step(s).
- 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 extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
- The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.
Escalator(s) (Access Between Levels 4 and 5)
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Escalator(s)
View
- Escalators can be used to access other floors.
- The escalator(s) is/are located ahead and to the right as you enter via Entrance 1.
- The escalator(s) is/are clearly visible from the entrance.
- The escalators go both up and down.
- The floors which are accessible by escalator(s) are Levels 4 and 5.
- The escalator(s) steps are not clearly marked.
- The foot and head of the escalator(s) are not clearly marked.
- The lighting levels at the escalator(s) are varied.
Eating and Drinking (Level 5 - Matcham's)
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Location and Access
View
- The following information is for the bar.
- The bar is located on Level 5, ahead as you exit the lifts, next to the toilet facilities.
- There is step-free access to the bar.
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Service and Menus
View
- There is a bar where food and drink can be ordered.
- Staff can bring food and/or drinks to tables.
- Menu types include: menu boards.
- Menus are clearly written.
- Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
- Staff can read menus to customers if requested.
- The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
- Takeaway cups are available.
- Adapted cups are not available.
- Adapted cutlery is not available.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
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Service Counter(s)
View
- The height of the counter is 110cm.
- There is a moveable card machine available for payment.
- The type of flooring in this area is carpet.
- The lighting levels are varied.
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Tables and Seating
View
- There are tables and chairs laid out when events/conferences take place.
Toilet with Adaptations (Level 5 - Right Hand Transfer)
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
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Location and Access
View
- This accessible toilet is located on Level 5, to the right as you exit the lift.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the lift.
- There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- The contrast between the external door and wall is low.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is easy to open.
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The width of the accessible toilet opening is 79cm (2ft 7in).
- 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 medium.
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Dimensions and Features
View
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 215cm (4ft 11in x 7ft 1in).
- The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
- The lateral transfer space is 135cm (4ft 5in).
- The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin and a waste disposal bin.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- There is not a spatula type lever flush.
- There is a 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 height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- The toilet has a backrest.
- 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 not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 94cm (3ft 1in).
- The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is high.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is medium.
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Additional Fixtures and Fittings
View
- 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 sanitary, nappy/incontinence items bin and general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
- There is a mirror.
- The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- 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 73cm (2ft 5in).
- 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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 113cm.
- 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 108cm (3ft 7in).
- The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is high.
- There is not a hand dryer.
Standard Toilet(s) (Level 5)
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Toilet Facilities
View
- The female and male toilets are located on Level 5, to the right as you exit the lift.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 18m from the lift.
- The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is low.
- There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
- There are horizontal wall mounted rails available on both sides of the toilet.
- The height of the wash basin(s) is 79cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
- Lighting levels are good.
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Baby Changing Facilities
View
- Baby change facilities are available in both the female and male toilets.
- There is a flip down baby change table available.
- The height of the baby change table is 91cm.
Auditorium
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Access to Seating
View
- The auditorium is clearly signed.
- This information is for the entrance located on Level 6.
- There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
- 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 double width.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 129cm.
- There is a second set of doors.
- 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 129cm.
- The entrance door(s) is/are permanently held open before and after events.
- There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance before and after events.
- This entrance gives access to Blocks A, B and C.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
- There are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
- The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are varied.
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Auditorium Information
View
- The type of flooring is carpet.
- There are seats with armrests on both sides.
- The width of the rows of seating is 54cm.
- The lighting levels before and after events are varied.
- The nearest accessible toilet is located on Level 5, to the right as you exit the lift.
- There is step free access to a row of seating.
- The row(s) with step free access is/are all rows in blocks A, B and C.
- The access to the majority of seating is located in the centre of the seats.
- There is stepped access to the majority of seating.
- There is/are 42 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the 30cm and 45cm.
- The lighting levels at the step(s) are varied.
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Designated Seating Area(s)
View
- The designated seating area(s) is/are located Block H, Row A.
- The designated seating area(s) is/are clearly signed.
- There is step-free access to the designated seating area(s).
- There is/are 7 designated space(s) for wheelchair users in this screen.
- Wheelchairs may be left with the patron.
- The visibility of the screen from this seating area is good.
- Companions/carers sit next to the patron and behind the patron.
- There is sufficient space for an assistance dog to rest next to you.
- The designated seating is located on Level 6A. Level 6A gives access to the middle level of the auditorium. Level 6A is only accessible step-free via lift. Access between the lift and designated seating involves 2 sets of 75cm+ wide double doors. There are no handrails for the steps in the centre of the Auditorium. There are wall mounted handrails on the steps on either side of the Auditorium.
