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Overview

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• About View
  • Occupying 2400 square metres over two floors, this purpose-built venue is designed to cater for various events on a grand scale.
  • Facilities available in the venue include: conference and exhibition function halls.
  • Opening times are in line with individual events.
• Parking and Public Transport View
  • The venue does not have its own car park.
  • There is a public car park nearby.
  • The name of the nearest car park is Alfred Street Car Park.
  • View information on Alfred Street car park (opens new tab) .
  • The nearest train station is Blackpool North.
  • The nearest bus station is Corporation Street.
  • The nearest tram stop is North Parade.
  • For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Traveline (opens new tab).
  • View information on getting here (opens new tab) .
• Getting In and Around View
  • There is step-free access via slope at the most accessible entrance.
  • Alternatively, there is step free level access from the Empress Ballroom foyer.
  • 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.
• Getting Help and Assistance View
  • There is seating available.
  • There is no hearing assistance system.
  • There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
  • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
  • Additional facilities/services include: Wi-Fi.
• Related Access Guides View
  • Winter Gardens.
  • View information on Winter Gardens (opens new tab) .

You are on Parking. Skip to the next section.

Parking

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• Drop-off Point View
  • There is not a designated drop-off point available.
• Public Car Parks View
  • There is a public car park located behind the Winter Gardens.
  • The name of the car park is Alfred Street Car Park.
  • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are not available in the car park.

You are on Toilet and Changing Facilities. Skip to the next section.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

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• Toilet Facilities View
  • There are 6 toilets with adaptations.
  • Toilets with adaptations are located on level -1 straight ahead from the lift; on level 0 in the foyer to the sides of the halls; on level 1 in the foyer after the halls and on the balcony beyond the bar.
  • The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.
  • Ambulant toilet facilities are located on level -1 straight ahead from the lift; level 0 in the foyer to the sides of the halls; level 1 in the foyer after the halls and on the balcony beyond the bar.
  • The male and female step-free standard toilet facilities are located on level -1, straight ahead from the lift.
  • The male and female step-free standard toilet facilities are located on level 0 in the foyer to the sides of the halls.
  • The male and female step-free standard toilet facilities are located level 1 in the foyer after the halls, and on the balcony beyond the bar.
• Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
  • The Changing Places toilet facilities are located on level -1 to the right from the lift.
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located on level -1 ahead from the lift and on level 1 in the foyer after the halls.

You are on Entrance. Skip to the next section.

Entrance

• This entrance is located at the front of the Blackpool Conference and Exhibition Centre.
• The approach to the entrance has bollards.
• 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.
• There is a push pad at a height of 102cm.
• The width of the opening is 184cm.
• The doors have a low visual contrast.
• There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 102cm.
• There is step-free level access as you enter.

You are on Getting Around. Skip to the next section.

Getting Around

• There is step-free level access throughout all areas, this may include the use of a lift.
• Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
• Wayfinding signage is provided.
• Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
• The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
• Seating available in the walkways includes: benches.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

You are on Reception. Skip to the next section.

Reception

• The reception is located ahead from the entrance.
• The distance from the entrance is 5m.
• There is step-free level access to reception.
• The height of the reception desk is 112cm.
• There is a lowered section at the desk.
• The height of the lowered section is 76cm.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• There may be background noise in this area.
• The flooring is shiny.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

You are on Lift. Skip to the next section.

Lift

• The lift surveyed is located ahead from the Blackpool Conference and Exhibition entrance and then to the left.
• The distance from the Blackpool Conference and Exhibition entrance is 17m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
• Floors -1, 0 and 1 are accessed by this lift.
• The lift door has a high 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 tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
• All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• The lift door opening width is 91cm.
• The internal dimensions of the lift are 156cm (width) x 139cm (depth).
• The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
• All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
• There are other lifts available at this location which vary in size.

You are on Escalators. Skip to the next section.

Escalators

• The escalators surveyed are located the Blackpool Conference and Exhibition entrance.
• Levels -1, 0 and 1 are accessed by escalators.
• The escalator steps are unmarked.
• The foot (bottom) and head (top) of the escalators are not clearly marked.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

You are on Stairs. Skip to the next section.

Stairs

• The stairs surveyed are located near the entrance.
• Levels -1 and 0 can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 20 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 do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 17cm.
• The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

You are on Foyer Hall. Skip to the next section.

Foyer Hall

• The room is located on the right from the entrance.
• The distance from the entrance is 15m.
• The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access.
• There is written text signage on or near the door.
• There is step-free level access into the room.
• The width of the opening is 650cm.
• 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.
• Some flooring is patterned.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
• Lighting levels are adjustable.
• The space can be sub-divided into 4 separate rooms.

You are on Circle Hall. Skip to the next section.

Circle Hall

• The room is located on level 1.
• The distance from the lift is 8m.
• The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access.
• There is written text signage on or near the door.
• There is step-free level access into the room.
• There are double manual doors with a high visual contrast.
• The doors open both ways.
• The width of the opening is 132cm.
• There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
• The following areas have stepped access: the stage at the front of the hall.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
• Some 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 not suitable for wheelchair users.
• The clear underside space of the surfaces is suitable for wheelchair users.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
• Lighting levels are adjustable.
• The space can be sub-divided into 4 separate rooms
• There is a mobile platform lift available to access the stage.

You are on Circle Hall Bar. Skip to the next section.

Circle Hall Bar

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• Location and Access View
  • The Circle Hall Bar is located on level 1, to the right from the lift.
  • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
  • There is step-free level access into this area.
  • There are double manual doors with a low visual contrast.
  • The doors open away from you.
  • The width of the opening is 160cm.
• Service View
  • This area has a bar where drinks can be ordered.
  • Menus are handheld and wall-mounted.
  • The following are available: drinking straws and takeaway cups.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Order and Payment View
  • The bar was surveyed.
  • The counter is located on the right, from the entrance.
  • 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.
  • The counter has windows.
• Seating Area View
  • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
  • 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 this area includes: benches.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: coffee tables.
  • The chairs and tables are fixed.
  • There may be background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.

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

Changing Places

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• Location and Access View
  • The Changing Places facility surveyed is located on level -1 to the right, from the lift.
  • The Changing Places toilet is in addition to other toilet facilities.
  • There is a sign at the entrance to the Changing Places facility indicating the location of the nearest toilets and baby changing facilities.
  • The distance from the lift is 2m.
  • The most accessible route to the Changing Places facility has step-free level access.
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
  • The width of the door opening is 101cm.
  • The door has a lever twist lock.
  • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
  • The dimensions of the facility are 360cm (width) x 441cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (180cm x 180cm).
• Toilet Details View
  • There is lateral transfer space on both sides of the toilet.
  • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 83cm.
  • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 125cm.
  • There is a push button flush on the wall above the cistern.
  • There is no horizontal grab rail for the toilet.
  • There is no vertical grab rail for the toilet.
  • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
  • The dropdown rails have a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 45cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
  • The toilet has a padded backrest.
  • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder.
  • The toilet roll holder has a medium visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 83cm from the floor.
• Changing Bench and Hoist Details View
  • The changing bench is free standing and height adjustable.
  • The length of the changing bench is 195cm.
  • The facility hoist is powered overhead and accesses all areas.
• Shower Details View
  • There is an adjustable shower head.
  • The shower controls are twist/turn.
  • There is a flip-down shower seat.
  • The shower seat is 47cm 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 within 10cm from the floor.
• Other Facilities View
  • There is a height adjustable wash basin.
  • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
  • There are no vertical grab rails at the wash basin.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 103cm from the floor.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • A wide paper roll dispenser is not available.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a medium visual contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 90cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The facility has a sanitary bin.
  • There are no coat hooks.
  • A privacy screen is not available.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.

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

Toilet with Adaptations (Right Hand Transfer)

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• Location and Access View
  • The toilet surveyed is located on level -1, ahead from the lift and on the right after the stairs.
  • The distance from the lift is 18m.
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
  • The width of the door opening is 92cm.
  • The door has a lever twist lock.
  • 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 cubicle are 176cm (width) x 194cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
  • The lateral transfer space is 111cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a push button flush on the wall above the cistern.
  • 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 44cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
  • The toilet has a padded backrest.
  • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder has a low visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 83cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 72cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a sensor 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 medium visual contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 85cm from the floor.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a medium visual contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 91cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a full length mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a sanitary bin.
  • There are no coat hooks.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.

You are on Parent and Baby Room / Feeding Room. Skip to the next section.

Parent and Baby Room / Feeding Room

• The room surveyed is located on level -1, ahead from the lift and on the right after the stairs.
• The distance from the lift is 15m.
• The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access.
• There is step-free level access into the room.
• There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
• The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
• The width of the door opening is 76cm.
• Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
• The height of the baby change facility when in use is 87cm.
• There is a wash basin and a hand dryer in the room.
• The wash basin has a sensor tap.
• The room has a nappy/incontinence items bin.
• Seating available in the room includes: armchairs.
• The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
• Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.