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Access Guide

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Overview

  • About View
    • Hull New Theatre reopened in 2017 following a £16m refurbishment project and hosts a wide variety of world class performances. There is backstage access for visitors and performers via an alternative, side entrance.
    • Facilities available in the venue include: large theatre and auditorium, merchandise, kiosk, bars and a bistro restaurant.
    • Backstage there are: accessible and standard toilet facilities, accessible showers, lift, accessible and standard dressing rooms, office and studio spaces, external dock and stage access.
  • Parking and Public Transport View
  • Getting In and Around View
    • There is step-free level access at the most accessible entrance.
    • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas, this may include the use of a lift.
    • The following areas have stepped access: the studio/green room, some stage access and areas, the fly grid and galleries.
    • Access throughout may include manual doors, doors permanently held open, narrow walkways and narrow openings.
    • The backstage entrance and reception, stage and scene dock, wardrobe and dressing rooms can be accessed via a standard lift and stairs.
  • Getting Help and Assistance View
    • There is seating available.
    • There is no hearing assistance system.
    • Additional facilities/services include: Wi-Fi.
    • Staff receive the following training: Disability Awareness Training.
  • Related Access Guides View

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There is 1 toilet with adaptations.
    • The toilet with adaptations is located on the basement level (backstage).
    • The toilet with adaptations has a right hand transfer space.
    • Selected dressing rooms have ensuite toilet facilities, some of which have adaptations.
    • The gender inclusive step-free standard toilet facilities are located on the basement level (backstage).
    • The gender inclusive standard toilet facilities are located near the green room/studio (backstage).
  • Washroom and Shower Facilities View
    • Standard washroom facilities are located on the basement level (backstage) and near the green room/studio (backstage).
    • The shower facilities which have adaptations are located on the basement level (backstage).

Stage Door Access Point

  • The stage door and visitors' access point is located on Jarratt Street.
  • The most accessible route has step-free level access, uneven surfaces and manual gates.
  • There is written text signage on or near the entrance.
  • There is step-free level access at this entrance.
  • There is a single manual gate which opens away from you.
  • The gate requires effort to open.
  • The width of the opening is 127cm.
  • The gate has a high visual contrast.
  • There is an intercom for visitors to contact the office to unlock the gate. The Intercom is at a height of 100cm.

Stage Door Entrance

  • This entrance is located to the left side, after entering via the gate.
  • The approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • There is an intercom at a height of 100cm.
  • There is a single manual door at this entrance.
  • The door opens towards you.
  • The door requires effort to open.
  • The width of the opening is 83cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The door has a high visual contrast.

Reception

  • The reception is located immediately ahead, after entering.
  • The distance from the entrance is 2m.
  • There is step-free level access to reception.
  • The height of the reception desk is 100cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the desk.
  • The reception has glazed screens.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The height of the touchscreen display ranges from 135cm to 115cm from the floor.
  • All visitors are required to sign in at reception. Assistance is available.
  • There may be background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.

Lift

  • The backstage entrance and reception, stage and scene dock, wardrobe and dressing rooms are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a medium visual contrast.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The external lift control buttons have a low visual contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 130cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 140cm (width) x 250cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have Braille markings and a low visual contrast.
  • All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a separate door to exit, a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer and a list of floor services/facilities.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Stairs

  • The stairs surveyed are located opposite the reception desk.
  • The backstage entrance and reception, stage and scene dock, fly grid, wardrobe and dressing rooms can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 16 steps between floors.
  • The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are easy to grip.
  • The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrails extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The height of the step is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

Getting Around

  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas, this may include the use of a lift.
  • The following areas have stepped access: the green room/studio, selected stage access points and areas, fly grid and the galleries.
  • Access throughout may include manual doors, doors permanently held open and narrow walkways.
  • The visual contrast between the walls and floor varies between low and high.
  • There may be background noise.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
  • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
  • Some backstage areas are only accessible to staff and theatre technicians.

Access To Stage

  • There are numerous access points and routes to reach the stage.
  • External step-free stage access is possible for loading and there is a lift backstage for visitors or performers.
  • There is step-free level access into this area.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas, this may include the use of a lift.
  • The following areas have stepped access: selected stage access points.
  • Access throughout the area may include manual doors, doors permanently held open and narrow walkways.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.

Access to Accessible Dressing Room 1

  • The dressing rooms are located on the basement level of the backstage area.
  • There are 15+ dressing rooms at the venue.
  • The distance from the lift to the accessible dressing room is 25m.
  • The most accessible route has step-free level access, a lift, manual doors, doors permanently held open and narrow walkways.
  • There is written text signage on or near the entrance.
  • There is step-free level access into the dressing room.
  • There is a single manual door which opens towards you.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the opening is 86cm.
  • The door has a high visual contrast.

Accessible Dressing Room 1

  • There is step-free level access throughout the room.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Seating available in the room includes: chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in the room includes: desks.
  • The desks are fixed.
  • The surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear underside space of the surfaces is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Additional facilities/services include: a flashing fire alarm and a wash basin.
  • There may be background noise in this room.
  • Announcements are audible.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.
  • This room also contains the following:
    adjoining door to dressing room 2;
    wash basin with a lever mixer tap;
    wall mounted paper towel and hand soap dispenser;
    mirrors;
    costume and clothes rail;
    refrigerator
    kettle and fan.

Ensuite with Adaptations (Accessible Dressing Room 1 - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Access View
    • There is step-free level access into the ensuite.
    • The ensuite door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening to the ensuite is 87cm.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the ensuite are 217cm (width) x 245cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet.
    • The lateral transfer space is 170cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a spatula flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 105cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 75cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 100cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The ensuite has a waste bin.
    • There are multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 140cm and 148cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
    • The ensuite has a wheel-in shower.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the shower.
    • There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
    • The shower controls are lever mixer.
    • There is a flip-down shower seat.
    • The shower seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • There are grab rails and dropdown rails for the shower.
    • The shower grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • The shower dropdown rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm for the shower, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.

Access to the Green Room/Studio

  • The green room/studio is on the basement level (backstage).
  • The distance from the lift is 50m.
  • The most accessible route has steps, manual doors, doors permanently held open and narrow walkways.
  • There is Braille and written text signage on or near the entrance.
  • There is step-free level access into the studio.
  • There is a single manual door which opens towards you.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the opening is 82cm.
  • The door has a high visual contrast.
  • There are 2 alternative entrances into the green room/studio on the other side of the room, nearer the front of house stairs, toilets and showers.

Green Room/Studio

  • There is step-free level access throughout the room.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Seating available in the room includes: chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in the room includes: tables.
  • The surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear underside space of the surfaces is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • Additional facilities/services include: a flashing fire alarm.
  • There may be background noise in this room.
  • Announcements are audible.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.
  • This is a multi-purpose studio located in the basement.
  • The room can be subdivided into 2 smaller rooms by a concertina wall.
  • There are stacking tables and chairs and a piano available for this space.

Toilet with Adaptations (Basement - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location View
    • The toilet surveyed is located on the basement level of the backstage area.
    • The distance from the lift is 25m.
  • Route View
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has a standard lift.
    • Doors are held open along the most accessible route.
  • Access View
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is Braille and pictorial signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens inwards and has a high colour contrast.
    • The door requires effort to open.
    • The width of the opening is 83cm.
    • The door has a lever twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door, with a high colour contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 150cm (width) x 310cm (depth).
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 80cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a spatula flush for the toilet.
    • The flush is on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a high colour contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a high colour contrast.
    • There is a dropdown grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown grab rail has a high colour contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high colour contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high colour contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 105cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The wash basin and tap can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 71cm from the floor.
    • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a high colour contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a high colour contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 90cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a high colour contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 110cm from the floor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There is one coat hook.
    • The coat hook is 152cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • Shower Facilities View
    • There is a wheel in shower in the cubicle.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the shower.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm for the shower but it was tied up at the time of the survey.
    • There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
    • The shower controls are lever mixer.
    • There is a flip-down shower seat.
    • The shower seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • There are grab rails for the shower.
    • The grab rails for the shower have a high colour contrast.
    • There are dropdown rails for the shower.
    • The dropdown rails for the shower have a high colour contrast.