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Black Box

18-22 Hill Street, Belfast, BT1 2LA

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • We are a vibrant arts space in the heart of Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter.
    The Black Box was established in 2006 as an alternative, fringe-style theatre space. We are now one of the leading lights of the city’s arts and entertainment sector and over the last two decades, our dedication to accessibility, quality and innovation have made us one of the most beloved venues in town with audiences and artists alike. We are passionate about removing barriers to accessing great events and improving the ability for all to experience, enjoy and engage with the arts. We programme and present work across all platforms, from music, literature, and theatre, to film, comedy, live art, cabaret and talks.
    Most importantly, we provide a unique incubation space for emerging artists, curators and promoters to experiment and try out great new ideas, laying the groundwork for the future of our arts sector.
    As a not-for-profit arts venue, the Black Box works closely with community initiatives, as well as with many of Belfast’s highest-profile festivals. Looking ahead to our third decade, we want to build our role as a catalyst and greenhouse for Belfast’s most exciting creative talent and to play a vital role in the city’s arts offer as a partner, programmer and home-from-home for artists and audiences.
  • Here at Black Box, we aim to provide a great time for everyone. Below are some things you may want to keep in mind if you require any further assistance when you arrive.
    The Black Box is an inclusive venue and we welcome D/deaf and disabled audiences and artists to the venue.
    The Black Box has step-free access throughout the whole building from the street and has fitted accessible push button automatic doors.
    We welcome any customers that may require to bring medication, food or drink, or medical equipment to manage a medical condition. We also have ear plugs available behind the bars in the venue for those who need them- just ask a member of staff when you are here.
    We welcome assistance/emotional support dogs into the venue. If you plan on bringing one with you, please do let us know in advance.
    Occasionally some of our events use strobe lighting. Events using strobe lighting will have this warning in the description online and warning signs would be put up around the venue. If you have any concerns, please let us know.
    Our dressing room for performers is located on ground level across from accessible toilet facilities. We also have a portable ramp that can be attached to the stage for any performers who require it. Please let us know ahead of your visit to the venue. Our staff team is trained in Disability Equity training and all our outreach and projects are disabled lead and we welcome all. We are a Bronze Charter accredited venue with Attitude is Everything, and have been awarded certification from Deafblind UK as a deafblind-friendly venue.

Regular Accessible Events

  • Black Moon night club - Held once a month, this is a disabled-led club for, and by, adults with learning disabilities - for more information please visithttps://www.facebook.com/Blackmoonblackbox
  • Drop-in - Express Yourself Social Cafe happens on a Tuesday afternoon from 14:00 - 16:00 and is a creative gathering of people who identify as having a learning disability and/or autism.
  • Gig Buddies - A project for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism to attend gigs with their buddies and be part of the Gig Buddies Belfast community For More information, please visithttps://www.blackboxbelfast.com/gig-buddies-projects/gig-buddies-belfast
  • For further information, please visit Black Box's access guide video -https://youtu.be/V1Lk89Xi7c0?si=Ch_ACP-5m3FRtIQC.

Location

  • The venue is situated within the centre of the city.
  • This venue is situated in Belfast.
  • There is not a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest mainline station is Burton-on-Trent.

Opening Times

  • Please contact the venue for details of opening times and opening times do vary depending on timetabling.

Parking

  • The venue does not have its own car park.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The main automatic door(s) is/are push pad or push button activated.
    • The push pad or push button is 68cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 140cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located on the path leading to the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.

Level Change (Inside Access)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp or slope is located immediately beyond the entrance.
  • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp does have handrails.
  • The handrails are on the left going up.

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 play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are adjustable.

Eating and Drinking (The Green Room)

  • The following information is for the café.
  • The bar does serve food.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the main entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 43cm (1ft 5in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 72cm (2ft 4in).
  • The standard height for tables is 72cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is not available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Menus are wall only.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is pizzas.
  • Comments View
    • An induction loop for the Green Room is available upon request.

Eating and Drinking (Bar - Black Box)

  • The following information is for the bar.
  • The bar does not serve food.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 14m (15yd 11in) from the main entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 69cm (2ft 3in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 69cm (2ft 3in).
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.

Theatre (Black Box)

  • There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
  • Designated seating is located in at the front.
  • Wheelchairs are left with you.
  • A companion may sit with you.
  • Companions sit along side.
  • It is 14m (15yd 11in) from the designated seating area to the nearest accessible toilet.
  • This venue does provide audio described performances.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
  • The rows suitable for hearing assistance systems are front.
  • There is not a wheelchair to borrow.
  • Concessions are available.
  • Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium.
  • Comments View
    • PA/Carer Tickets are available for free. Please contact the venue for further information.
    • The Black Box does not have a set viewing area however, if you have access requirements, please contact the venue before your visit and they can reserve a space for you.
    • Upon your arrival, the manager on duty will be there to assist you in finding a place for you to position yourself for the show.

Accessible Toilet

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located to the right as you enter.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • 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 heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 145cm x 195cm (4ft 9in x 6ft 5in).
    • 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 82cm (2ft 8in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not 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 general domestic waste 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 a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf is higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • There is not a mirror.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (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 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 good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located in the accessible toilet.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 75cm (2ft 6in).

Standard Toilet(s)

Additional Info

  • A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
  • Comments View
    • Please note that booking is required for Audio Description / BSL / ISL and accessible formats for Black Box programmed events.
    • The Black Box is a host venue for many events programmed by independent festivals and promoters. Access requirements for events programmed by external partners would be via the event organiser/promoter. You can find out who to contact by clicking on the event/ticket link.