You are on Overview. Skip to the next section.

Overview

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• About View
  • Facilities available in the venue include: bars, cafe/bistro, ballroom, event spaces, conference facilities.
  • View information on opening times.
• 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 Pier.
  • 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 level access at the most accessible entrance.
  • There is an alternative step-free accessible entrance at the Victoria Street entrance, on Corporation Street.
  • 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 dance floor of the Empress Ballroom
  • the balcony bar in the Empress Ballroom
  • the Olympia Exhibition Centre Hall.
  • The following areas have stepped access:
  • seating areas in the balcony of the Empress Ballroom
  • standard toilets off the Floral Hall.
  • Access throughout may include manual doors and doors permanently held open.
  • The ground, first second and third floors can be accessed via a standard lift.
• 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
  • The Opera House Theatre.
  • View information on Opera House Theatre (opens new tab) .
  • Blackpool Conference and Exhibition Centre.
  • View information on Blackpool Conference and Exhibition Centre (opens new tab) .

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 3 toilets with adaptations.
  • Toilets with adaptations are located on the ground floor; on the right hand side before the Pavilion and Horseshoe and to the left hand side from the lift on the first floor.
  • The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.
  • The male and female step-free standard toilet facilities are located on the basement floor of the Olympia Exhibition Centre.
  • The gender inclusive step-free standard toilet facilities are located on the basement floor of the Olympia Exhibition Centre.
  • The male and female standard toilet facilities are located off the Floral Hall.
  • The female standard toilet facilities are located on the basement floor of the Olympia Exhibition Centre.

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 Church Street Entrance. Skip to the next section.

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.

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

Getting Around

• The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes:
• the Olympia Exhibition Centre main floor
• the dance floor in the Empress Ballroom
• parts of the balcony in the Empress Ballroom.
• The following areas have stepped access: standard toilets in the Floral Hall.
• Access throughout may include manual doors and doors permanently held open.
• Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
• The visual contrast between the walls and floor varies between low and high.
• There may be background noise.
• Wayfinding signage is provided.
• 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: benches.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
• Lighting levels are adjustable in some areas.

You are on Lift (Empress Ballroom). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Empress Ballroom)

• The lift surveyed is located ahead from the Church Street entrance then to the left after the main entrance to the Empress Ballroom foyer, on the right before the stairs.
• The distance from the Church Street entrance is 90m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
• The ground floor (arena), first floor (ballroom), second floor (foyer) and third floor (balcony) 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 90cm.
• The internal dimensions of the lift are 138cm (width) x 138cm (depth).
• The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
• Some of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Lift (Olympia Exhibition Hall and Function Rooms). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Olympia Exhibition Hall and Function Rooms)

• The lift surveyed is located next to the West Horseshoe/Pavilion doors, off the Floral Hall.
• The distance from the Church Street entrance is 100m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
• The basement (Olympia), the ground floor and first floor 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 89cm.
• The internal dimensions of the lift are 105cm (width) x 152cm (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 separate door to exit.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Lift (Olympia Exhibition Centre - Platform Lift). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Olympia Exhibition Centre - Platform Lift)

• The lift surveyed is located to the right from the accessible entrance to the hall.
• This lift is a platform lift.
• The distance from accessible entrance is 6m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has a slight ramp or slope and a steep ramp or slope.
• The basement and first floor are accessed by this lift.
• The lift door has a low visual contrast.
• The lift does not have 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 89cm.
• The internal dimensions of the lift are 111cm (width) x 150cm (depth).
• The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a high visual contrast.
• All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• The button needs to be pressed constantly when in use.
• Internally the lift has: a separate door to exit.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• There are other lifts available at this location which are of a similar size.

You are on Lift (Victoria Street Entrance Foyer - Platform Lift). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Victoria Street Entrance Foyer - Platform Lift)

• The lift surveyed is located in the foyer area, after the Victoria Street accessible entrance lift.
• This lift is a platform lift.
• The distance from the Victoria Street accessible entrance lift is 20m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
• the ground floor and upper ground floor are accessed by this lift.
• The lift door has a low 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, Braille markings and a low visual contrast.
• All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• The lift door opening width is 88cm.
• The internal dimensions of the lift are 97cm (width) x 149cm (depth).
• The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a low visual contrast.
• All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• The lift is slow moving and the button needs to be pressed constantly when in use.
• Internally the lift has: a separate door to exit.
• Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
• There are other lifts available at this location which are of a similar size.
• There is a very short, steep ramp to access the lift on the ground level.

You are on Empress Ballroom. Skip to the next section.

Empress Ballroom

• The room is located ahead from the Church Street entrance and then to the left.
• The distance from Church Street entrance is 90m.
• The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access and doors permanently held open.
• There is written text signage on or near the door.
• There is stepped access into the room.
• There are 17 steps with 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 steps are clearly marked.
• The height of the highest step is 18cm.
• The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
• There are double manual doors with a high visual contrast.
• The doors are permanently held open.
• The width of the opening is 140cm.
• 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 ballroom floor
• the balcony bar.
• The following areas have stepped access:
• the upper balcony
• some seating on the balcony.
• 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 and patterned.
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• Seating available in the room includes: chairs with armrests and chairs without armrests.
• Furniture available in the room includes: tables and high tables.
• The surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
• The clear underside space of the surfaces is suitable for wheelchair users.
• 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.

You are on Pavilion and Horseshoe. Skip to the next section.

Pavilion and Horseshoe

• The room is located ahead from the Church Street entrance.
• The distance from the Church Street entrance is 80m.
• 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 low visual contrast.
• The doors open towards you.
• The width of the opening is 202cm.
• There are multiple doors leading to the Horseshoe, which then gives access to the Pavilion. .
• 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 shiny and patterned.
• The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
• Seating available in the room includes: chairs without armrests.
• 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.

You are on Olympia Exhibition Hall. Skip to the next section.

Olympia Exhibition Hall

• The room is located on the basement level, to the left from the Olympia Exhibition Hall and function rooms lift.
• The distance from the lift is 10m.
• The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access.
• There is no signage on or near the door.
• There is step-free access via ramp into the room.
• The ramp has a slight gradient.
• The ramp is over 150cm wide with a handrail on the right going down.
• The ramp bypasses the steps.
• There are 4 steps with a handrail on the left going down.
• The handrail is easy to grip.
• The handrail covers the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrail does not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The step markings are not clearly visible.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 17cm.
• The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
• There are double manual doors with a high visual contrast.
• The door has an open extension leaf.
• The doors open away from you.
• The width of the opening is 90cm.
• There is step-free level access throughout the room, this may include the use of a lift.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• Seating available in the room includes: chairs without armrests.
• There is a portable hearing assistance system on request.
• 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.
• There is a platform lift which gives access to the upper level of the hall.

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

Baronial Hall

• The room is located on the first floor, to the right from the lift.
• The distance from lift is 4m.
• The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access and narrow walkways.
• There is no signage on or near the door.
• There is step-free level access into the room.
• There is a single manual door with a high visual contrast.
• The door opens towards you.
• The width of the opening is 80cm.
• 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.
• The flooring is shiny.
• The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
• Seating available in the room includes: chairs with 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.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event.
• Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.

You are on Floral Lounge Bar. Skip to the next section.

Floral Lounge Bar

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• Location and Access View
  • The Floral Lounge Bar is located ahead from the Church Street entrance, then on the right.
  • The most accessible route has step-free level access, manual doors and doors permanently held open.
  • There is step-free level access into this area.
  • The width of the opening is 244cm.
• Service View
  • This area has a bar where drinks can be ordered, self service counters, staff who can provide assistance with ordering and numerous seating options.
  • Full table service is available on request only.
  • Menus are handheld.
  • 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 114cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the counter.
  • The height of the lowered section is 85cm.
  • The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
• Seating Area View
  • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
  • There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests, armchairs, benches and high stools.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables and high tables.
  • Some chairs are fixed.
  • The surface height of some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under some of the tables is 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.

You are on Galleon Bar. Skip to the next section.

Galleon Bar

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• Location and Access View
  • The Galleon Bar is located ahead from the Church Street entrance, then on the right.
  • The most accessible route has step-free level access and manual doors.
  • There is step-free level access into this area.
  • The width of the opening is 215cm.
• Service View
  • This area has a bar where drinks can be ordered.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Menus are 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 to the Galleon Bar.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 111cm.
  • 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 low visual contrast.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
  • Some tables are fixed.
  • The surface height of some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

You are on Empress Coffee Bar and Bistro. Skip to the next section.

Empress Coffee Bar and Bistro

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• Location and Access View
  • ahead from the Church Street entrance, then on the right before the Pavilion.
  • 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 are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 182cm.
• Service View
  • This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
  • Full table service is available on request only.
  • Menus are handheld and digital.
  • The following dietary requirements can be catered for: gluten free, dairy free, nut allergy, vegetarian and vegan.
  • The following are available: drinking straws and takeaway cups.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Order and Payment View
  • The service counter was surveyed.
  • The counter is located at the rear of the Bistro.
  • 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.
  • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
  • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests and benches.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
  • Some chairs are fixed.
  • 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 were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

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 ahead from the Church Street entrance, then to the right before the Pavilion.
  • The distance from Church Sreet entrance is 105m.
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access and manual doors.
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • 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 87cm.
  • The door has a locking handle.
  • 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 200cm (width) x 270cm (depth) and 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, however it is obstructed.
  • The lateral transfer space is 131cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a push button flush on the transfer side.
  • 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 48cm 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 96cm 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 lever mixer 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 high visual contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 105cm from the floor.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 92cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin and 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.