Access Guide
Introduction
- Services / facilities within the building include a box office, main auditorium, main hall, coffee shop, bistro, bar, accessible and standard toilets.
Location
- There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
- The nearest National Rail station is Stevenage.
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 Daneshill.
- The car park is located in front of the accessible entrance.
-
On Street Blue Badge Parking
View
- On street marked Blue Badge bays are not available.
-
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.
-
Comments
View
- There are a specific number of parking spaces for customers with mobility difficulties.
- These are located on the service road at the front of the theatre.
- Barrier exit codes are available at the box office and these are required prior to departure.
- Blue Badges must be clearly displayed at all times.
- There are additional public car parks located on both Danesgate and Swingate.
COVID-19 Information
- The information in this section was taken in February 2021.
- For more information about the measures in place for Covid-19 please click here (new tab) .
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) both ways.
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The door(s) is / are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 170cm (5ft 7in).
-
Second set of doors
View
- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) both ways.
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The door(s) is / are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 170cm (5ft 7in).
-
Comments
View
- There are 2 sets of identical doors, side by side.
Level Change (Main Entrance)
- There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
- The step(s) is/are located leading up to the entrance.
- There is/are 14 step(s) to the area/service.
- There is not 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.
Outside Access (Accessible Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located on the service road.
- There is level access into the venue.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The width of the door opening is 130cm (4ft 3in).
Reception (Box Office)
- The desk/counter is 21m (22yd 2ft) from the lift.
- There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
- Level access to the desk/counter is via lift.
- The desk/counter is high (110cm+).
- The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
- The lighting levels are bright.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
-
Comments
View
- The box office is located 9m from the main entrance.
- On performance days the box office will remain open until 15 minutes after the start of the final performance.
- On Sunday's the box office is open a minimum of 1 hour prior to the start of a performance and 15 minutes after curtains up.
Inside Access
- There is level access to the service(s).
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The system is a headset.
- Staff are trained to use the system.
- This venue does play background music.
- Music is played throughout performances in the main auditorium and main hall.
- Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
- The lighting levels are varied.
Other Floors
-
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 bright.
Lift
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located to the rear of the sports centre reception.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1-2.
- The lift is approximately 44m (48yd 4in) from the accessible entrance.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 120cm (3ft 11in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 156cm x 160cm (5ft 1in x 5ft 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 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 not have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting level in the lift is bright.
Eating and Drinking (Coffee Shop)
- The following information is for the cafe.
- The cafe is located on level 1, to the right of the box office.
- 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 20m (21yd 2ft) from the lift.
- The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 43cm (1ft 5in).
- The distance between the floor and the highest table is 73cm (2ft 5in).
- The standard height for tables is 73cm.
- 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.
- 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.
-
Comments
View
- The coffee shop is open 09.00 - 15.00 Monday to Saturday. In the evenings the coffee shop is open from 18.00 hours until late.
Eating and Drinking (Pi Bistro and Gallery)
- The following information is for the restaurant.
- The restaurant is located at the rear of the box office.
- 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.
- No chairs have armrests.
- The nearest table is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the foyer entrance.
- The standard height for tables is 68cm.
- 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 hand held 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.
-
Comments
View
- The bistro is temporary closed.
Eating and Drinking (Theatre Bar)
- The following information is for the bar.
- The bar is located on the left, opposite the entrance to the main auditorium.
- 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.
- All chairs have armrests.
- The nearest table is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the theatre entrance.
- The standard height for tables is 72cm.
- There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
- Drinking straws are available.
- Children are welcomed in the bar area.
-
Comments
View
- The bar is only open during the evening and when shows are taking place.
- Customers are not permitted to take glass bottles into the main auditorium or the main hall.
Outside Access (Gordon Craig Theatre Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located on level 1.
- There is level access into the venue.
- The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The door(s) is / are permanently held open.
- The width of the door opening is 155cm (5ft 1in).
-
Comments
View
- To the right of the double doors is a single door, which is permanently held open and is 90cm wide.
- There are 2 sets of additional doors, which lead into the main auditorium and these are held open whilst customers enter the auditorium and closed whilst the performance takes place.
- The entrances are 155cm wide.
- There are 2 entrances into the main auditorium, one is for seats 1 to 19 and one for seats 20 to 38.
Cloakroom
- There is a cloakroom available for customers.
- It is located between the 2 entrances into the main auditorium.
- The cloakroom has a lowered counter, which is on the left as you face the cloakroom.
Theatre (Main Auditorium)
- There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
- Designated seating is located row P.
- Wheelchairs are left with the patron.
- A companion may sit with you.
- Companions sit beside the patron.
- It is 11m (12yd 1in) 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 headset.
- Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
- A deposit is not required for the sound enhancement system.
- The rows suitable for hearing loops are all rows.
- There is not a wheelchair to borrow.
- Concessions are available.
- Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium.
-
Comments
View
- The hearing aid system comes in 2 types.
- There is a headphone receiver or a personal induction loop necklace.
- Enquiries regarding the hearing system should be made at the cloakroom, prior to the performance taking place.
- There are 501 tiered seats within the main auditorium.
Outside Access (Main Hall Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located on the ground floor.
- There is level access into the venue.
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The door(s) is / are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 156cm (5ft 1in).
Theatre (Main Hall)
- There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
- Designated seating is located either end of the level seating area.
- Wheelchairs are left with the patron.
- A companion may sit with you.
- Companions sit beside the patron.
- It is 15m (16yd 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 headset.
- Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
- A deposit is not required for the sound enhancement system.
- The rows suitable for hearing loops are all rows.
- There is not a wheelchair to borrow.
- Concessions are available.
- Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium.
-
Comments
View
- The main hall has dual use, both as a sports hall and also for shows/performances.
- There are 1200 seats in the main hall, of which some are tiered and some are level.
- When shows/performances are taking place there are spaces for 12 wheelchairs.
Accessible Toilet (Ground Floor)
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) 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.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the accessible entrance.
- This accessible toilet is located on the left before the entrance to the main hall.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
-
Features and Dimensions
View
- This is a unisex toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens inwards.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 84cm (2ft 9in).
- The door is light.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 200cm x 340cm (6ft 7in x 11ft 2in).
- 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 a/are 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 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 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 130cm (4ft 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.
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are bright.
Standard Toilet(s) (Ground Floor)
-
Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
View
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
-
Access to Standard Female Toilet(s)
View
- The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located within the female changing rooms.
- The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 14m (15yd 11in) from the accessible entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
- Lighting levels are bright.
-
Access to Standard Male Toilet(s)
View
- The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located within the male changing rooms.
- The male toilet(s) is/are 8m (8yd 2ft) from the accessible entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet(s).
- Lighting levels are bright.
Accessible Toilet (First Floor)
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) 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.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 1m (3ft 3in) from the theatre entrance.
- This accessible toilet is located to the right as you enter through the doors to the theatre.
- 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 inwards.
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 85cm (2ft 9in).
- The door is light.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 195cm x 180cm (6ft 5in x 5ft 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 right.
- The lateral transfer space is 142cm (4ft 8in).
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush, however it is not 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 the left.
- 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 49cm (1ft 7in).
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the hand dryer is 105cm (3ft 5in).
- 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 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.
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is poor.
- 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 within the accessible toilet.
- The height of the baby change table once extended is 90cm (2ft 11in).
-
Comments
View
- There are additional accessible toilets located on level 2.
Standard Toilet(s) (First Floor)
-
Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
View
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
-
Access to Standard Female Toilet(s)
View
- The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the right, as you enter through the doors to the theatre.
- The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the theatre entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
- This is by lift.
- Lighting levels are bright.
-
Access to Standard Male Toilet(s)
View
- The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the right, as you enter through the doors to the theatre.
- The male toilet(s) is/are 5m (5yd 1ft) from the theatre entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet(s).
- This is by lift.
- Lighting levels are bright.
-
Comments
View
- There are additional standard female and male toilets located on level 2.
Additional Info
- Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
- Documents are not available in Braille.
- Documents are not 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.