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Opera House Theatre

Blackpool Winter Gardens, 97 Church Street, FY1 1HU

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Access Guide

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Overview

  • About View
    • Facilities available in the venue include: designated seating, bars.
    • Opening times are line with individual events.
  • Parking and Public Transport View
  • Getting In and Around View
    • There is step-free access via ramp at the most accessible entrance.
    • There is an alternative accessible entrance on Corporation Street, which gives access via lifts to the Floral Hall. The entrance is next to the main entrance on Corporation Street
    • The main entrance to the Opera House on Church Street is stepped access only.
    • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas, this may include the use of a lift.
    • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes:
    • the stalls
    • row O in the circle
    • row M in the balcony.
    • The following areas have stepped access:
    • rows A - N in the circle
    • rows A - O in the balcony
    • the standard toilets on the 1st floor in the circle foyer area
    • the standard toilets on the 3rd floor in the balcony foyer areas.
    • The ground floor and floors 1, 2, 3 and 4 can be accessed via a standard lift and stairs.
  • Getting Help and Assistance View
    • There is seating available.
    • There is a fixed 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.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There is 1 toilet with adaptations.
    • The toilet with adaptations is located at the rear of the stalls within the main foyer area.
    • The toilet with adaptations has no transfer space available.
    • The male step-free standard toilet facilities are located at the rear of the stalls within the foyer area.
    • The female step-free standard toilet facilities are located at the rear of the stalls in the foyer area.
    • The female step-free standard toilet facilities are located on the second floor in the rear circle foyer.
    • The male and female standard toilet facilities are located on the 1st floor in the circle foyer area.
    • The male and female standard toilet facilities are located on the third floor in the balcony foyer area.

Parking

  • 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.

Accessible Entrance From Winter Gardens

  • This entrance is located ahead from the Church Street entrance, then on the left.
  • The entrance area is not clearly signed.
  • There is step-free access via ramp at the entrance.
  • The ramp has a steep gradient with resting areas.
  • The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide with handrails on both sides.
  • There are double manual doors at this entrance.
  • The doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 153cm.
  • The doors have a high visual contrast.
  • There is a second set of double manual doors.
  • The second set of doors open towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 146cm.
  • The second set of doors have a high visual contrast.
  • There is step-free access via slope as you enter.
  • The slope has a steep gradient.

Church Street Entrance

  • This entrance is located at the front of the Winter Gardens on Church Street.
  • The approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • 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 126cm.
  • The doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is a second set of double manual doors.
  • The second set of doors open towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 120cm.
  • The second set of doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Getting Around

  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the stalls.
  • The following areas have stepped access: the majority of the circle seats and balcony seats, some toilets.
  • The visual contrast between the walls and floor varies between low and high.
  • There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Some signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
  • The colour, design and typeface of signs is not consistent throughout.
  • Seating available in the walkways includes: chairs without armrests and sofas.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable in some areas.

Stairs

  • The stairs are located ahead and to the left, from the Opera House main entrance.
  • The stairs surveyed are located the left from the Opera House main entrance.
  • There are permanently held open doors to access the stairwell.
  • The ground floor, circle, rear circle, balcony and rear balcony can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 20+ steps between floors.
  • 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 depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

Lift

  • The lift surveyed is located at the rear of the stalls in the foyer area.
  • The distance from the accessible entrance in the Winter Gardens is 15m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has a steep ramp or slope.
  • The ground floor and floors 1, 2, 3 and 4 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 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 80cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 107cm (width) x 145cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a high visual contrast.
  • Some of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing, a hearing assistance alarm system, a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer and a list of floor services/facilities.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • There are other lifts available at this location which are of a similar size.

Ticketing (Box Office)

  • Ticket Office View
    • The ticket office surveyed is located to the left of the Opera House main entrance on Church Street.
    • There is step-free level access to the ticket office.
    • There are double manual doors with a low visual contrast.
    • The doors open towards you.
    • The width of the opening is 137cm.
    • There is step-free level access throughout the ticket office.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is not a separate wheelchair accessible queue lane.
    • Seating available includes: armchairs.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
    • The height of the counter is 121cm.
    • There is a lowered section at the counter.
    • The height of the lowered section is 87cm.
    • The counter has glazed screens and patterned/distracting backgrounds.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Theatre

  • Theatre Information View
    • Advanced bookings are available.
    • Concessions are available.
    • Captioned performances are available.
    • Varies by performance.
    • Signed performances are available.
    • Varies by performance.
    • Audio described performances are not available.
    • Autism friendly/relaxed performances are available.
    • Varies by performance.
    • Sensory friendly performances are not available.
    • There is a fixed hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system could not be tested at the time of the survey.
    • The hearing system is available throughout the theatre during performances.
    • View information on access performances and provisions (opens new tab) .
  • Auditorium View
    • The most accessible route to the auditorium has a steep ramp or slope, manual doors and doors permanently held open.
    • There is a designated seating area.
    • The following rows have step-free access via ramps or slopes:
    • rows A-FF in the stalls
    • row O in the circle
    • row M on the balcony.
    • The following rows have stepped access:
    • rows A-N in the circle
    • rows A-O on the balcony.
    • View the seating plan/auditorium map (opens new tab) .
    • The flooring is shiny and patterned.
    • Seating available includes: chairs without armrests and flip-down seats with armrests.

Designated Seating

  • The designated seating area surveyed is located in the stalls on the right hand side and at the rear.
  • The distance from the designated seating to the accessible entrance in the Winter Gardens is 3m.
  • The most accessible route to the designated seating has manual doors.
  • There is step-free access via slope to the designated seating.
  • The slope has a steep gradient.
  • Companions sit next to 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 with armrests.
  • Some seating is fixed.
  • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.
  • There is a toilet with adaptations close to the seating area (within approximately 50m).
  • Additional designated seating can be made available at the front left of the stalls.

Circle Lounge Bar

  • Location and Access View
    • The Circle Lounge Bar is located on first floor in the circle foyer area.
    • The most accessible route has a lift, a steep ramp or slope and manual doors.
    • There is step-free level access into this area.
    • There are double manual doors with a high visual contrast.
    • The locked door can be opened on request.
    • The doors open towards you.
    • The width of the opening is 120cm.
  • Service View
    • This area has a bar where food and drink can be ordered, staff who can provide assistance with ordering and numerous seating options.
    • Full table service is available on request only.
    • 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 ahead from the Circle Lounge Bar entrance.
    • There is step-free level access to the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 108cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
    • The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
  • 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 patterned.
    • The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
    • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests and benches.
    • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
    • Some chairs are fixed.
    • The surface height of the tables is not suitable for wheelchair users.
    • The clear height under the tables is not suitable for wheelchair users.
    • There may be background noise in this area.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

Foyer Bar

  • Location and Access View
    • The Foyer Bar is located on the 2nd floor at the rear circle, to the left 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 high visual contrast.
    • The doors open towards you.
    • The width of the opening is 120cm.
  • Service View
    • This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered and staff who can provide assistance with ordering.
    • Full table service is not available.
    • The following are available: drinking straws and takeaway cups.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Order and Payment View
    • The payment counter was surveyed.
    • The counter is located at the rear of the bar area.
    • There is step-free level access to the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 102cm.
    • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • 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.
    • Some flooring is shiny.
    • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
    • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
    • The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • The clear height under the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • There may be background noise in this area.
    • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.

Toilet with Adaptations (No Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The distance from the accessible entrance in the Winter Gardens is 20m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has a steep ramp or slope and manual doors.
    • 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 93cm.
    • The door has a locking handle.
    • Internally the door has a low 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 145cm (width) x 220cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is not a lateral transfer space next to the toilet.
    • There is a push button flush on top of the cistern.
    • There is no horizontal grab rail for the toilet.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the right as you face the toilet.
    • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is no dropdown rail for the toilet.
    • The toilet seat is 43cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 77cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 82cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rail is on the left as you face the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 116cm from the floor.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a low visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 97cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a 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 even at the time of the survey.