Skip to main content

Metro Radio Arena Newcastle

Arena Way, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE4 7NA

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include an arena, bars, food courts, shops and a box office.
  • Comments View
    • Opening times vary, please contact the venue for further information.
    • To contact Accessibiliy Team please call 0844 493 6666.

Location

  • There is not a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Newcastle.

Opening Times (Box Office)

  • Monday 11:00 - 15:00.
  • Tuesday 11:00 - 15:00.
  • Wednesday 11:00 - 15:00.
  • Thursday 11:00 - 15:00.
  • Friday 11:00 - 15:00.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.
  • Comments View
    • On event days the box office re opens at 17:00 until the time the event starts.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is not free for all users.
    • Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
    • The car park is located to the left and the rear of the venue.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot booked in advance.
    • There is/are 10+ Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 440cm x 510cm (14ft 5in x 16ft 9in).
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 30m (32yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 80m (87yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is/are dropped kerbs.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • There is a dropped kerb between the car park and the venue.
    • The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
    • There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is a designated drop off point.
    • The drop off point is located along the right hand side of the arena as you face it.
    • There is a dropped kerb from the drop off point.
    • There is not tactile paving on the dropped kerb.
  • Comments View
    • The Blue Badge bays are located along the left hand side of the building.
    • The standard parking bays are located to the rear of the venue.

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 both ways.
  • The doors are double width.
  • The door(s) is / are heavy.
  • The door opening is 150cm (4ft 11in) wide.
  • Second set of doors View
    • There is a small raised threshold in the doorway.
  • Comments View
    • On event nights there is a dedicated lane system in use when leaving the venue for wheelchair users. This lane allows assisted and quicker exit after an event.

Level Change (Main Entrance)

  • There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
  • The ramp or slope is located leading from the car park to the entrance.
  • The ramp or slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
  • The ramp does not have handrails.
  • There is a / are step(s) to access this area / service.
  • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
  • There is / are 15+ step(s) to the area / service.
  • There is tactile paving at the top and bottom of the steps.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is / are medium.
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).

Reception (Box Office)

  • The desk is 2m (2yd 7in) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to reception from the entrance.
  • The reception desk is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • The desk does not have a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are bright.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • Comments View
    • The Box Office is located outside, next to the main entrance.
    • There are four Box Office windows.
    • One window has a slightly lowered counter.
    • The other three counters are high.

Reception (Customer Information)

  • The desk is 6m (6yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to reception from the entrance.
  • The reception desk is high (110cm+).
  • The desk does not have a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.

Reception (Official Merchandise Counters)

  • The desk is 18m (19yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to reception from the entrance.
  • The reception desk is high (110cm+).
  • The desk does not have a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are bright.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • Comments View
    • There is a lowered section of the counter which is 82cm high.

Access Doors

  • There are doors in several places on all levels leading to the arena area.
  • The doors are double width.
  • The doors open outwards.
  • The doors are heavy.
  • The doors are 200cm wide.
  • Before and after performances all doors external and internal are held open for patrons.
  • Doors are manned during performances.

Inside Access

  • There is not level access to the service.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • This venue does play background music/noise.
  • Music/noise is played during events.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are varied.

Level Change (Inside Access)

  • There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
  • The ramp or slope is located leading up to all wheelchair seating platforms.
  • The ramp or slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
  • The ramp does have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.
  • The width of the ramp or slope is 98cm (3ft 3in).
  • There is a / are step(s) to access this area / service.
  • The step(s) is / are located leading from the lower and upper arena seating areas.
  • There is / are 15+ step(s) to the area / service.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is / are medium.
  • The steps do not have handrails.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • There is a standard and / or platform lift to access this service.
  • The lift does bypass the step(s).
  • The lift does bypass the ramp.

Eating and Drinking (Bars)

  • The following information is for the bar.
  • 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.
  • 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
    • There are 7 seperate bars located in the main concourse just as you enter the building through the main doors.
    • The 2 main bars are situated to the left and to the right as you enter and have high counters with a medium height section of 82cm high.
    • There are 2 Fosters bars facing the main bars. These have a medium height counter.
    • There is a champagne bar facing you as you enter, this has a high counter.
    • There is a Smirnoff bar facing you as you enter, this has a high bar with a medium height lowered section
    • There is a Heineken bar at the rear of the main concourse, this has a high counter.

Theatre

  • There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
  • Designated seating is located on all levels throughout the arena.
  • Wheelchairs are left with the patron.
  • A companion may sit with you.
  • Companions sit next to you.
  • It is 14m (15yd 11in) from the designated seating area to the nearest accessible toilet.
  • This venue does not 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.
  • Comments View
    • Some designated seating is accessed by a ramp.
    • Some designated seating is avaliable on the stadium and gallery levels with level access via the lift.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1-2.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Comments View
    • There are 2 main stairways located in the central concourse.
    • The stairways are situated to the left and to the right of the concourse as you enter the building.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located in the centre of the concourse between the Fosters and Smirnoff Bars.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1-2.
  • The lift is 17m (18yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 79cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 103cm x 140cm (3ft 5in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is 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 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is bright.

Accessible Toilet (Ground Floor)

  • There are accessible toilets within this venue designated for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial and Braille signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The accessible toilet is 47m (51yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • The accessible toilet is located in the corridors on either side of the arena.
    • There is level access to the accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from a steward.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door weight is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 195cm x 265cm (6ft 5in x 8ft 8in).
    • 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 both sides.
    • The lateral transfer space is 141cm (4ft 8in).
    • 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 in the cubicle.
    • The emergency alarm is not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is not a coat hook.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted 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 are mirrors.
    • 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 44cm (1ft 5in).
    • 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 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 sink.
    • The sink cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The sink is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the sink is 76cm (2ft 6in).
  • 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 grab rails and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
    • 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 88cm (2ft 11in).
  • Comments View
    • The details here are for the accessible toilet in the corridor on the left hand side as you face the stage.
    • There is also an identical toilet in the corridor on the right hand side.

Standard Toilet(s) (Ground Floor)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilets are available.
  • Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
    • The female toilets are located in the corridors on either side of the arena.
    • The female toilets are 49m (53yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet.
    • Lighting levels are bright.
  • Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
    • The male toilets are located in the corridors on either side of the arena.
    • The male toilets are 48m (52yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet.
    • Lighting levels are bright.
  • Comments View
    • There is an identical toilet in the corridor on the right hand side.
    • There are several sets of standard toilets in each corridor.
    • The ones at the far end of each corridor also contain an accessible cubicle.
    • They do not have baby changes facilities.

Accessible Toilet (First Floor)

  • There are accessible toilets within this venue designated for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The accessible toilet is 15m (16yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • The accessible toilet is located on the first floor, in the corridor at the rear of the seating blocks.
    • There is level access to the accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from a steward.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 89cm (2ft 11in).
    • The door weight is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 147cm x 203cm (4ft 10in x 6ft 8in).
    • 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 79cm (2ft 7in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is not a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm in the cubicle.
    • The emergency alarm is fully functional.
    • It is not a push button style of alarm.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is not a coat hook.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted 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 are not mirrors.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 44cm (1ft 5in).
    • 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 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 sink.
    • The sink can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The sink 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 grab rails and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Comments View
    • The details here are for the accessible toilet at the back of the arena, to the right as you face to stage.
    • There are 4 accessible toilets on the first floor, one in each corner. They are identical, except 2 have the transfer space on the left.

Standard Toilet(s) (First Floor)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilets are available.
  • Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
    • The female toilets are located in the corridor at the rear of the seating blocks.
    • The female toilets are 21m (22yd 2ft) from the Lift.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet.
    • This is by lift.
    • Lighting levels are bright.
  • Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
    • The male toilets are located in the corridor at the rear of the seating blocks.
    • The male toilets are 17m (18yd 1ft) from the Lift.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet.
    • This is by lift.
    • Lighting levels are bright.
  • Comments View
    • There are also standard toilets available on the landing between the first and second floors.

Additional Info

  • Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • Documents can be requested in Braille.
  • Documents can be requested in large print.
  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • An assistance dog toilet area can be provided onsite.
  • The assistance dog toilet area is located in the areas surrounding the venue.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
  • This service cannot be requested.