You are on Introduction. Skip to the next section.

Introduction

• Services / facilities within the building include a theatre and box office. The Core is Solihull’s multi-purpose arts venue. It comprises of a large raked theatre, a smaller multi-use Studio theatre, the Courtyard Gallery and Art Space, and the popular Encore Café Bar. As well as shows, performances, film and art exhibitions, The Core hosts a range of courses and workshops all year round, where you can learn and take part in a wide range of activities including arts and crafts, singing, dance, yoga, tai chi, acting and more.
• Related link Core Library.
• Https://www.accessable.co.uk/venues/core-library
• Related link The Core.
• Https://www.accessable.co.uk/venues/core
• Related link Touchwood Shopping Centre.
• Https://www.accessable.co.uk/venues/touchwood-shopping-centre

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• Comments View
  • For access to the Touchwood Shopping Centre, please see the seperate guide.

You are on Opening Times (The Box Office). Skip to the next section.

Opening Times (The Box Office)

• Please contact the venue for details of opening times.
• Please click here for information on opening times.

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• Comments View
  • The Box Office opening times are available on The Core website.

You are on Location. Skip to the next section.

Location

• There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
• The nearest National Rail station is Solihull.

You are on Parking. Skip to the next section.

Parking

• For details of parking, please see the seperate Touchwood Shopping Centre guide.

You are on Entrance (Theatre Square). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Theatre Square)

• This entrance is located at the front of the building.
• The entrance area is clearly signed.
• There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
• There is step-free access via slope at the entrance.
• The slope has a slight gradient.
• There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
• The doors open towards you.
• The width of the opening is 145cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The doors have a low visual contrast.
• There is a second set of double automatic doors.
• The second set of doors are permanently held open.
• The width of the opening is 150cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The second set of doors have a low visual contrast.
• The minimum width between the security barriers is 152cm.
• There is step-free level access as you enter.

You are on Inside Access. Skip to the next section.

Inside Access

• There is not level access to the service(s).
• 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.
• Music is played during events.
• Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
• The lighting levels are adjustable.

You are on Reception (Box Office). Skip to the next section.

Reception (Box Office)

• The desk/counter is 12m (13yd 4in) from the Theatre Square entrance.
• There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
• The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
• The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
• The lighting levels are medium.
• There is a hearing assistance system.
• The type of system is a fixed loop.
• Staff are trained to use the system.

You are on Outside Access (Ground Floor Theatre Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Ground Floor Theatre Entrance)

• This information is for the entrance located at the front of the theatre in the top right hand corner of The Core building.
• There is level access into the venue.
• The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
• The door(s) is / are double.
• The door(s) is / are heavy.
• The width of the door opening is 164cm (5ft 5in).

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• Second set of doors View
  • There is a second set of doors.
  • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The door(s) is / are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 94cm (3ft 1in).

You are on Theatre (Theatre). Skip to the next section.

Theatre (Theatre)

• There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
• Designated seating is located in the front row of the theatre.
• Wheelchairs are left with you.
• A companion may sit with you.
• Companions sit next to the patron.
• It is 22m (24yd 2in) from the designated seating area to the nearest accessible toilet.
• There is a hearing assistance system.
• The hearing assistance system is a fixed loop.
• Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
• A deposit is not required for the hearing assistance system.
• The rows suitable for hearing assistance systems are all rows.
• There is a wheelchair to borrow.
• To borrow a wheelchair, ask a member of staff.
• Concessions are available.
• Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium.

You are on Eating and Drinking (Encore Cafe). Skip to the next section.

Eating and Drinking (Encore Cafe)

• The following information is for the café.
• The café is located at the front of the venue to the right of the Theatre Square entrance.
• Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
• Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
• There is a lowered section at the counter.
• No tables are permanently fixed.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• Some chairs have armrests.
• The nearest table is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the Theatre Square entrance.
• The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 72cm (2ft 4in).
• The distance between the floor and the highest table is 70cm (2ft 4in).
• The standard height for tables is 72cm.
• There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• Takeaway cutlery is available.
• Drinking straws are available.
• Menus are hand held and wall.
• Menus are not available in Braille.
• Menus are not available in large print.
• Picture menus are not available.
• Menus are clearly written.
• Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
• The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.

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• Comments View
  • Full table service is available upon request.
  • Wooden knives and forks are also available.

You are on Lift. Skip to the next section.

Lift

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located inside the Theatre Square entrance to the right of the doors.
• The lift is a standard lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1.
• The lift is approximately 3m (0.91m) from the Theatre Square entrance.
• Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
• The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11.43in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 140cm (3ft 7.31in x 4ft 7.12in).
• There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• There is not 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 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
• The lift does not have Braille markings.
• The lift does have tactile markings.
• The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.

You are on Other Floors. Skip to the next section.

Other Floors

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• Steps View
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1.
  • There are 15+ steps between floors.
  • The steps are clearly marked.
  • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
  • There is a landing.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

You are on Outside Access (First Floor Theatre Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (First Floor Theatre Entrance)

• This information is for the entrance located in the top right hand corner of The Core Building on the first floor.
• There is level access into the venue.
• Level access is via lift.
• The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
• The door(s) is / are double.
• The door(s) is / are heavy.
• The width of the door opening is 138cm (4ft 6in).

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• Second set of doors View
  • There is a second set of doors.
  • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The door(s) is / are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 112cm (3ft 8in).

You are on Eating and Drinking (Ovations Cafe - Currently Closed). Skip to the next section.

Eating and Drinking (Ovations Cafe - Currently Closed)

• The following information is for the café.
• The café is located in the top right hand corner of building on the first floor.
• 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 a lowered section at the counter.
• No tables are permanently fixed.
• No chairs are permanently fixed.
• Some chairs have armrests.
• The nearest table is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the lift.
• The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 43cm (1ft 5in).
• The distance between the floor and the highest table is 100cm (3ft 3in).
• There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• Takeaway cutlery is available.
• Drinking straws are available.
• Menus are wall only.
• Menus are not available in Braille.
• Menus are not available in large print.
• Picture menus are not available.
• Menus are clearly written.
• Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
• The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.

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• Comments View
  • The Ovations café is currently closed.

You are on Changing Places. Skip to the next section.

Changing Places

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• Location and access View
  • The facility is located to the left of the venue.
  • The facility is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the Theatre Square entrance.
  • There is level access into the facility.
• Dimensions and features View
  • You do need a key for the facility.
  • It is a radar key.
  • The key can be obtained from a security member of staff.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The width of the door is 103cm (3ft 5in).
  • The dimensions of the facility are 470cm x 300cm (15ft 5in x 9ft 10in).
  • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
  • The facility changing bench is wall mounted.
  • The length of the facility changing bench is 189cm (6ft 2in).
  • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
  • The overhead hoist covers all areas in cubicle.
  • The sling is attached to the hoist by hook and loop.
  • The facility toilet has a transfer space on both sides.
  • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 255cm (8ft 4in).
  • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
  • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
  • Dropdown rails are provided for the toilet.
  • As you face the toilet the dropdown rail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • The type of wash basin is adjustable.
  • Wall mounted grab rails are available at the wash basin.
  • As you face the wash basin, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
  • Disposal facilities are available.
  • A privacy screen is available.
  • Wide tear off paper roll is available.
  • The facility has a non-slip floor.
  • A functioning emergency alarm is available.

You are on Baby Change Facility. Skip to the next section.

Baby Change Facility

• Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
• Baby change facilities are located in a seperate room to the left of the standard toilets.
• The height of the baby change table once extended is 87cm (2ft 10in).
• Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.
• There is a changing bench, a sink, seating and disposal facilities.
• At the time of survey, it was not possible to photograph the facility.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Right Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Right Hand Transfer)

• Accessible toilet facilities are available.

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• Location and Access View
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 35m (38yd 10in) from the main entrance.
  • This accessible toilet is located in the corridor to the right of the theatre box office.
  • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
• Features and Dimensions View
  • This is a shared toilet.
  • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
  • The key is a radar key.
  • The key can be obtained from the cafe.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The door is locked by a locking handle.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 147cm x 204cm (4ft 10in x 6ft 8in).
  • There is not 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 85cm (2ft 9in).
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • There is a flush on the transfer side.
  • The tap type is twist/turn.
  • 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 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 for the toilet.
  • 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 not 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 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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the toilet roll holder is 112cm (3ft 8in).
  • There is a wash basin.
  • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
• Colour Contrast and Lighting View
  • There is a high colour contrast between the external door and wall.
  • There is a high visual contrast between the internal door and wall.
  • There is a high colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall.
  • There is a high colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
  • There is a high colour contrast between the walls and floor.
  • The lighting levels are good.

You are on Standard Toilet(s). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s)

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• Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
• Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
  • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located in the corridor to the right of the theatre box office.
  • The female and male toilets are approximately 33m (36yd 3in) from the Theatre Square entrance.
  • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
  • Lighting levels in the female and male toilets are moderate to good.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor - Right Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor - Right Hand Transfer)

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• Location and Access View
  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 30m (98.4252ft) from the lift.
  • This accessible toilet is located on the first floor.
  • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • This is by lift.
• Features and Dimensions View
  • This is a shared toilet.
  • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
  • The key is a radar key.
  • The key can be obtained from a member of staff.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The door is locked by a locking handle.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 96cm (3ft 1.8in).
  • The door may be difficult to open.
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 152cm x 200cm (4ft 11.84in x 6ft 6.74in).
  • 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 83cm (2ft 8.68in).
  • 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 available in the cubicle.
  • There is a/are sanitary and open waste paper bin disposal units.
  • There is a/are coat hook(s).
• Position of Fixtures View
  • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
  • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
  • There is 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 45cm (1ft 5.72in).
  • There is a hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the hand dryer is 102cm (3ft 4.16in) .
  • 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 101cm (3ft 3.76in).
  • 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 can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
• Colour Contrast and Lighting View
  • There is a high visual contrast between the external door and wall.
  • There is a medium visual contrast between the internal door and wall.
  • There is a high visual contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall.
  • There is a high visual contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
  • There is a high visual contrast between the walls and floor.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

You are on Standard Toilet(s) (First Floor). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s) (First Floor)

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• Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
• Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
  • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the first floor to the right as you exit the lift.
  • The female and male toilets are approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the lift.
  • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
  • This is by lift.
  • Lighting levels are medium.

You are on Additional Info. Skip to the next section.

Additional Info

• Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
• Documents are not available in Braille.
• Documents can be requested 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 can be requested.