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John Peel Centre for Creative Arts

Church Walk, Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 1ET

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Access Guide

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Overview

  • About View
    • The John Peel Centre for Creative Arts (JPC) is a community-focused arts and music venue. It is operated by volunteers, offering a diverse programme of music, theatre, poetry, and community events.
    • Facilities available in the venue include: box office, standard and accessible toilets, auditorium, main auditorium and mezzanine bars.
    • View information on opening times
  • 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, this may include the use of a lift.
    • Access throughout may include manual doors and doors permanently held open.
    • The ground floor and mezzanine can be accessed via a standard lift and stairs.
    • The following facilities are available: a seat/chair, a designated safe space and a water bowl for assistance dogs.
    • Additional facilities/services include: Wi-Fi.
    • Staff receive the following training: Safeguarding, First Aid and Fire Marshall Training.
  • Toilet and Changing Facilities View
    • There is 1 toilet with adaptations.
    • The toilet with adaptations is located in the foyer.
    • The male and female step-free toilet facilities are located in the foyer.
    • Parent and baby changing facilities are located in the toilet with adaptations in the foyer.

Entrance

  • This entrance is located at the front of the venue.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • There is an entry system at a height of 97cm.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance, however one door is locked.
  • The door opens towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 90cm.
  • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 90cm.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Area (Foyer)

  • Immediately after entering.
  • There is step-free level access into this area.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the area.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There may be background noise in this area.

Ticketing

  • Ticket Counter / Machines View
    • The ticket counter surveyed is located to the left after entering.
    • There is step-free level access to the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 100cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Toilet with Adaptations (Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located on the right of side of the foyer.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The width of the door opening is 80cm.
    • The door has a twist lock.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • 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 83cm (from the side of the toilet pan to the wall).
    • There is a lever flush on the non-transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder, a wash basin, a wall mounted soap dispenser, a soap dispenser and a wall mounted towel dispenser available.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin and a sanitary bin.
    • Additional features include: a mirror, a coat hook and a baby changing table.
    • The baby changing table is 97cm high when in use.

Entrance (Auditorium)

  • This entrance is located ahead after entering.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • There are double manual doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 175cm.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Theatre (Auditorium)

  • Theatre Information View
    • Advanced bookings are available.
    • Patrons with access needs or requirements are encouraged to contact the venue in advance.
    • Concessions are available.
    • The John Peel Centre provides complimentary tickets for personal assistants, carers and support workers - for those who may not otherwise be able to attend the venue.
    • Captioned performances are not available.
    • Signed performances are not available.
    • Audio described performances are not available.
    • Autism friendly/relaxed performances are not available.
    • Sensory friendly performances are not available.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
    • View information on access performances and provisions (opens new tab) .
  • Auditorium View
    • The most accessible route to the auditorium has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
    • There is step-free level access to a row of seating.
    • There is a designated seating area.
    • Seating available includes: chairs without armrests.
    • The layout of the auditorium may change depending on the event.

Designated Seating (Auditorium)

  • The designated seating area surveyed is located according to the event and visitor preference.
  • There is step-free level access to the designated seating.
  • The designated seating area is not clearly marked or signed.
  • The number of spaces for wheelchair users varies (dependent on match/event).
  • The number of spaces for wheelchair users varies.
  • The view from this seating area is clear from obstructions.
  • Companions sit next to you, behind you and in front of you.
  • There is a member of staff available for assistance.
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
  • There is a toilet with adaptations close to the seating area (within approximately 50m).
  • All patrons are encouraged to contact the box office to discuss any seating or other access requirements in advance. There is not a viewing platform but the venue can offer specified wheelchair positions and accessible seats during performances for patrons who might need to make use of them. For standing-only shows, wheelchair users can gain early access by prior arrangement.

Eating and Drinking (Auditorium Bar)

  • Location and Service View
    • The bar is located to the rear, left side of the auditorium.
    • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
    • This area has a bar where drinks can be ordered.
    • Menus are wall-mounted.
    • The following are available: drinking straws and takeaway cups.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
    • Full table service may be available at some seated events, available on request only.
  • Order and Payment View
    • The bar was surveyed.
    • The counter is located at the rear, left side of the auditorium.
    • There is step-free level access to the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 110cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the counter.

Lift

  • The lift surveyed is located to the left of the foyer.
  • The journey time to this lift from the entrance is approximately 1 minute.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • The ground floor and mezzanine are accessed by this lift.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 90cm.
  • The majority of the internal controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing.

Stairs

  • The stairs surveyed are located on the left of the foyer.
  • The ground floor and the mezzanine can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 17 steps between floors which are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.

Eating and Drinking (Mezzanine Bar)

  • Location and Service View
    • The bar is located to the rear of the mezzanine area.
    • The most accessible route has step-free level access and a lift.
    • This area has a bar where drinks can be ordered.
    • Full table service is available on request only.
    • The following are available: drinking straws and takeaway cups.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
    • The area and bar are open at some events only.
  • Order and Payment View
    • The bar was surveyed.
    • The counter is located at the rear of the auditorium.
    • There is step-free level access to the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 107cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • Seating Area View
    • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
    • Seating available in this area includes: armchairs, sofas and high stools.
    • Furniture available in this area includes: tables and high tables.
    • There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event .
    • The mezzanine is only suitable for patrons able to self-evacuate without the use of the lift. This is for Health and Safety reasons as there are no emergency exits on the mezzanine floor.