Access Guide
Huddersfield Literature Festival - Information
- Contact Details
- Phone Number - 01484 951 108
- Email - [email protected]
- For more information and tickets please contact the Huddersfield Literature Festival (opens in new tab)
- Our dedicated team of volunteers are offered a range of training sessions in the run up to each Festival, which includes some disability awareness training. We hope that this will help to make your visit to the Festival more enjoyable.
Public Transport
- There is a bus stop within approximately 150m of the venue.
- The nearest bus stop is located on on Peel Street.
- The nearest train station is Marsden.
- For more information on Marsden train station please click here (opens new tab).
Parking
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Parking
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- The venue does not have its own parking facilities.
On Street Parking
- There is a/are clearly signed and/or marked on street Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
- The on street Blue Badge parking bay(s) is/are located on Peel Street.
- The dimensions of the on street Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 208cm x 500cm (6ft 10in x 16ft 5in).
- There are not parking charges for the on street Blue Badge parking bay(s).
- Payment signs are not provided.
- Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
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On Street Standard Parking
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- Standard on street parking is available.
- The on street standard parking bay(s) is/are located on Peel Street.
Approach
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Approach
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- The surface of the approach is stone/concrete tiles.
- The approach surface is uneven in places.
Outside Access
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building on Peel Street.
- 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 not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
- The main automatic door(s) is/are push pad or push button activated.
- The push pad or push button is 112cm from floor level.
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The width of the opening is 86cm.
- There is a slope with a very easy incline.
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Ramp/Slope
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- There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the ramp.
Entrance
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located after the outer doors.
- The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
- There is step-free access 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/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the opening is 136cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
Reception
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Reception
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- The reception point is located to the right as you enter the building.
- The reception point is approximately 1m (3ft 3in) from the main entrance.
- The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
- There is step-free access to the reception point.
- There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
- There are no windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point 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 reception point are good.
- The height of the reception counter is 116cm.
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- There is not a lowered section of the counter.
- There is a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
- The type of system is a portable loop.
- The hearing assistance system is signed.
- Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
- The hearing assistance system was tested on 11/03/2025.
- The hearing loop was working at the time of testing.
- Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are provided in the reception area.
- The type of flooring in the reception area is carpet.
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Reception Seating Area
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- There is a seating area close to the reception point.
- Access to the seating area is unobstructed.
- There are bench seats available.
- There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the seating area.
Inside Access
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Access and Circulation
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- There is step-free access throughout the building via lift(s).
- There is a/are door(s) in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
- The type of flooring throughout is carpet.
- There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
- There are no seats/chairs at regular intervals.
- Access to other floors/levels is via stairs and lift.
- The lighting levels are good.
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Signage
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- Wayfinding signage is not provided.
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Safe Place(s)
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- 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
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- This venue does not play background music/sound.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The system is a portable loop.
- The portable loop is available from the Reception.
- Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
- The hearing assistance system was tested on 11/03/2025.
- The hearing loop was working at the time of testing.
Event Room(s) / Space(s) (Library)
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Access to the Room
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- The room surveyed was the ground floor library.
- The library is located at the far right of the reception area.
- There is not wayfinding signage for the .
- There is not clear signage for the room(s) (on or near the door).
- Staff can provide assistance getting to the room(s)/space(s).
- The corridor/walkway leading to the room(s)/space(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
- There is step-free access.
- 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 85cm.
- The colour contrast between the external door and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
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Room Details
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- There is a portable hearing assistance system available for the room.
- The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
- The hearing assistance system was tested on 11/03/2025.
- The hearing loop was working at the time of testing.
- There is not sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
- There are no potential trip hazards within the room.
- The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are good.
Lift
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located at the end of the conservatory in the entrance.
- Signs indicating the location of the lift are clearly visible from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- A member of staff needs to be notified for use of the lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1.
- There are manual, single doors which may be difficult to open to access the lift lobby on the ground floor.
- 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 High.
- The dimensions of the lift are 103cm x 149cm (3ft 5in x 4ft 11in).
- 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 not have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting levels in the lift are good.
Other Floors
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Stairs
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- Stairs can be used to access other floors.
- The stairs are for public use.
- The stairs are located near the end of the left corridor from the main reception area.
- The stairs are approximately 25m from the entrance to the reception area.
- Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
- There are manual, double doors which are easy to open to enter and exit the stairwell on the ground floor.
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
- The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
- The depth of the steps are 27cm.
- 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 not 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.
Eating and Drinking
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Location and Access
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- The following information is for the café/bar.
- The café/bar is located in the main hall on the first floor.
- There is step-free access, via lift, to the café/bar.
- For access there are double manual doors which are permanently held open.
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Service and Menus
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- There is a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
- Staff can bring food and/or drinks to tables.
- Menu types include: handheld menus and written wall menus.
- 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 dependent on organisers for individual events.
- Takeaway cups are available.
- Adapted cups are not available.
- Adapted cutlery is not available.
- Drinking straws are available.
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Service Counter(s)
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- The height of the counter is 108cm.
- There is a moveable card machine available for payment.
- The type of flooring in this area is carpet.
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Tables and Seating
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- There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- No chairs have armrests on both sides.
- The type of flooring in this area is wood.
- The lighting levels are good.
- The type of seating and tables available varies depending on the room hirer.
Event Room(s) / Space(s) (Main Hall)
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Access to the Room
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- The room surveyed was main hall.
- The main hall is located on the first floor.
- There is not wayfinding signage for the .
- There is clear signage for the room(s) (on or near the door).
- There is written signage for the room(s), in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
- Staff can provide assistance getting to the room(s)/space(s).
- The corridor/walkway leading to the room(s)/space(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
- There is step-free access.
- The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
- The width of the door opening is 111cm.
- The colour contrast between the external door and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
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Room Details
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- There is a portable hearing assistance system available for the room.
- There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
- There are no potential trip hazards within the room.
- There is some flooring with a very shiny finish which could cause issues with glare or be perceived as slippery.
- The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are good.
Toilet with Adaptations (Left-Hand Transfer)
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
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Location and Access
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- This accessible toilet is located through the door at the end of the conservatory at the front of the building.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- 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 high.
- The door opens inwards.
- The door is easy to open.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
- The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
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Dimensions and Features
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- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
- The lateral transfer space is 119cm (3ft 11in).
- The transfer space is obstructed by a 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 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 87cm (2ft 10in).
- The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is medium.
- The lighting levels are good.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
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Additional Fixtures and Fittings
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- 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 general waste (with lid) disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
- There is a mirror.
- The mirror is not 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) cannot 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 sensor.
- 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 87cm.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the hand dryer is 106cm (3ft 6in).
- The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is high.
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Baby Changing Facilities
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- Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
- There is a flip down baby change table available.
- The height of the baby change table is 92cm.
Standard Toilet(s)
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Toilet Facilities
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- The female and male toilets are located in the left hand corridor at the end of the reception area.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 10m from the main entrance.
- The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
- There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
- Lighting levels are good.
