Skip to main content

Blackheath Halls

23 Lee Road, Blackheath, London, SE3 9RQ

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Location

  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Blackheath.
  • The nearest underground station is North Greenwich.
  • The nearest DLR station is Lewisham.

Opening Times

  • Monday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Tuesday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Wednesday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Thursday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Friday 10:00 - 17:00.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.
  • Comments View
    • Opening times for the venue depend on events taking place.
    • For the booking office, telephone 020 8463 0100.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Parking is not free for all users.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • The car park is mainly for the use of staff, artists and performers and can also be used for blue badge holders if notified in advance. There are no designated blue badge bays but parking can be arranged if the venue is contacted.
    • The car park is located to the rear of the building, on Blackheath Park.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders can booked in advance.
    • There is/are 0 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • Assistance may be required because there is/are slopes/ramps.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • There is no designated blue badge bays but parking for a blue badge holder can be arranged by calling the venue in advance. There are 13 spaces within the car park and the distance from the closest parking space to the entrance within the car park is 5m. There is a steep ramp at the emergency alternate entrance.
    • There is paid public parking available on Lee Park which can be seen on the last two photos.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building, on Lee Road.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 106cm (3ft 6in).
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The main automatic door(s) is/are push pad or push button activated.
    • The push pad or push button is 85cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 140cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The automatic door(s) is/are push pad or push button activated.
    • The push pad or push button is 95cm 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 at the front of the building.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located at the front of the main entrance.
    • There is/are 5 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 16cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.

Outside Access (Parking Entrance - Emergency Access Doors)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located in the venue car park.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 145cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
  • Comments View
    • There is a steep ramp immediately beyond the entrance which can be seen in photographs 4 and 5.

Reception

  • The desk/counter is 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • The lighting levels are bright.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are medium.

Eating and Drinking (Bar)

  • The following information is for the bar.
  • The bar is located through the double doors on the left as you enter through the main entrance.
  • The bar does not 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.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the bar entrance.
  • The standard height for tables is 74cm.
  • 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 hand held 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.

Theatre (Great Hall)

  • There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
  • Designated seating is located in opposite the stage, in front of the seating area.
  • Wheelchairs are left with you.
  • A companion may sit with you.
  • Companions sit beside or behind you.
  • It is 35m (38yd 10in) from the designated seating area to the nearest accessible toilet.
  • This venue does not provide audio described performances.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing system is a headset.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
  • A deposit is not required for the sound enhancement system.
  • There is not a wheelchair to borrow.
  • Concessions are available.
  • Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium.

The Hearn Recital Room

  • The Hearn Recital Room is located on the first floor of the building. There is a small stage as well as chairs for various activities. The chairs can be arranged depending on the type of activity or event. This room is usually used for recitals.

Other Floors

  • 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 medium.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left of the venue, beyond the cafe.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 100cm x 140cm (3ft 3in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are 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 medium.

Accessible Toilet (Ground Floor)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located in the corridor off reception.
    • 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 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 192cm x 285cm (6ft 4in x 9ft 4in).
    • 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is not 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 open waste paper bin and 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 placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 44cm (1ft 5in).
    • 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 75cm (2ft 6in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 81cm (2ft 8in).
  • 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 within the accessible toilet on the ground floor.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 84cm (2ft 9in).
  • Comments View
    • There is a similar accessible toilet on the first floor.
    • This toilet is 3m from the lift.
    • The transfer space is on the right.

Accessible Toilet (First Floor)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the first floor, directly opposite the lift.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 160cm x 310cm (5ft 3in x 10ft 2in).
    • 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 75cm (2ft 6in).
    • 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 fully functional.
    • 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 not 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 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 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
    • 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 poor.
    • There is a poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Standard Toilet(s) (Ground Floor)

Standard Toilet(s) (First Floor)

Additional Info

  • 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.