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The Plymouth Athenaeum

Derry's Cross, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 2SW

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Access Guide

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Location

  • The venue is situated within the centre of the city.
  • The venue is in a pedestrian area.
  • The venue is not situated on a road which has a steep gradient.
  • There is not a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest mainline station is Plymouth.

Opening Times (Main Office)

  • Monday Closed.
  • Tuesday 10:00 - 13:30.
  • Wednesday 10:00 - 15:30.
  • Thursday 10:00 - 13:30.
  • Friday 10:00 - 15:30.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Parking (Members only)

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is free for all users.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • There is/are 0 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • 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 uneven surfaces.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • 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 not a designated drop off point.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the venue.
    • There is stepped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 164cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
    • The ramp/slope is portable.
    • Please contact reception for use of the portable ramp.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 91cm (2ft 12in).
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is/are 3 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 19cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.

Outside Access (Accessible Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the side of the venue.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 180cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
  • Comments View
    • The doors to the accessible entrance are opened from the inside.
    • You must let someone know that you need to use the accessible entrance prior to your arrival.

Reception (Main Office)

  • The reception desk is 3m (9ft 10in) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to reception from the entrance.
  • The reception desk is medium height.
  • The desk does not have a lowered section.
  • Lighting levels are medium.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The system is a fixed loop.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are low.

Theatre

  • There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
  • Designated seating is located at the rear of the theatre.
  • Designated seating with limited views is at the front of the theatre.
  • The view is limited by the angle at which you can see the stage.
  • Wheelchairs are left with the patron.
  • A companion may sit with you.
  • Companions sit on a portable chair next to the patron.
  • It is 4m (4yd 1ft) from the designated seating area to the nearest accessible toilet.
  • This venue does not provide audio described performances.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is a wheelchair to borrow.
  • To borrow a wheelchair,ask a member of staff.
  • Concessions are not available.
  • Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium.
  • Comments View
    • The designated area for wheelchair users at the rear of the venue is 177cm x 193cm.
    • This area is on a slight slope which flattens out towards the front of the square.
    • The last 3 photographs show the view from each wheelchair designated viewing area.

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 medium.
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting level is medium.
  • Other View
    • The services on the floors which are not accessible are the theatre balcony.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left after you enter the venue.
  • The lift is a stair lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1-2.
  • The lift is 8m (26ft 3in) from main entrance.
  • Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.

Accessible Toilet

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the accessible entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the left after you enter the venue.
    • 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 outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 78cm (2ft 7in).
    • The door is light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 250cm x 270cm (8ft 2in x 8ft 10in).
    • 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 185cm (6ft 1in).
    • 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 not fully functional.
    • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • Disposal facilities are not available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are sanitary disposal units.
    • 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 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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 135cm (4ft 5in).
    • 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 cannot 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.
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is fair.
    • There is a fair colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Standard Toilet(s)

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 cannot be requested.