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Old Town Hall

The Old Town Hall, High Street, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP1 3AE

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include a theatre, cellar bar, jazz club, and cafe.
  • Comments View
    • The theatre and cafe are open according to performances taking place.
    • The bar is open for all evening performances. Please contact the venue for more details.
    • Electric Umbrella, an all-encompassing music project for adults with learning disabilities and is based in Hertfordshire meet on Friday mornings at the venue.
    • To contact Electric Umbrella, please call 07779 065 185 or email [email protected].

Location

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

Parking

  • The venue does not have its own car park.

Outside Access (Theatre 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 automatically (towards you).
  • The doors are double width.
  • The door opening is 160cm (5ft 3in) wide.

Level Change (Theatre Entrance)

  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located immediately beyond the entrance.
  • There is/are 3 step(s) to the area/service.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are medium.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • There is a lift to access this area/service.
  • The lift does bypass the step(s).
  • Comments View
    • There is a portable roller ramp that can be used at this entrance, with a load capaticy of 435kg.
    • If use of the roller ramp is required, the venue asks to be contacted in advance before your visit.

Lift (Stair Lift Theatre)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the right as you enter.
  • The lift is a stair lift.
  • The lift is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the theatre entrance.
  • Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 110cm (3ft 7in x 3ft 7in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is medium.

Outside Access (Cellar Club 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 automatically (towards you).
  • Second set of doors View
    • The automatic doors are push pad activated.
    • The doors are single width.
    • The door opening is 80cm (2ft 7in) wide.

Level Change (Cellar Club Entrance)

  • There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
  • The ramp or slope is located to the left as you face the entrance.
  • The width of the ramp or slope is 100cm (3ft 3in).

Other Floors (Cellar Club)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1.
    • 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 (Cellar Club)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located just beyond the entrance.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG and G.
  • The platform lift accesses a small level change.
  • The lift is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the cellar club entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 130cm x 100cm (4ft 3in x 3ft 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 not have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is medium.

Reception (Box Office)

  • The desk is 4m (4yd 1ft) from the theatre entrance.
  • There is level access to reception from the entrance.
  • This is by lift.
  • The reception desk is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • 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.
  • This venue does play background music.
  • Music is played depending on performances.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are medium.

Theatre

  • There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
  • Designated seating is located at the front of the theatre.
  • Wheelchairs are left with the patron.
  • A companion may sit with you.
  • Companions sit either side of the patron.
  • It is 30m (32yd 2ft) 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.
  • 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.

Other Floors (Theatre)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1.
    • 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 (Theatre)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located just beyond theatre entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G and 1.
  • The platform lift accesses a small level change.
  • The lift is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the theatre entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 120cm x 120cm (3ft 11in x 3ft 11in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is medium.
  • Comments View
    • The load capacity for this lift is 400kg.
    • There is a moderate ramp to access the lift.

Eating and Drinking (Gallery Cafe)

  • The following information is for the cafe.
  • The cafe is located on the first floor.
  • 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 12m (13yd 4in) from the lift.
  • The standard height for tables is 70cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Menus are wall only.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are not 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.

Accessible Toilet (Theatre First Floor)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • 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.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 17m (18yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • The accessible toilet is located on the first floor.
    • There is level access to this 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 locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The door is light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 200cm x 200cm (6ft 7in x 6ft 7in).
    • 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 130cm (4ft 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.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall-mounted grab 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 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 45cm (1ft 6in).
    • 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 wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot 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 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 medium.
  • 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 80cm (2ft 7in).

Standard Toilet(s) (Theatre)

Standard Toilet(s) (Cellar Club)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle with wall mounted grab rails is available.
  • Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
    • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located in the Cellar Club.
    • The female and male toilets are 10m (10yd 2ft) from the lift entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
    • This is by lift.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle with wall mounted grab rails is available.
    • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located within the standard toilets.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.
    • This is by lift.

Additional Info

  • Documents can be requested in Braille.
  • Documents can be requested in large print.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is normally on duty.
  • Staff are trained to BSL level 2.