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The Core Theatre and Box Office

Theatre Square, Solihull, West Midlands, B91 3RG

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About this venue

A multi-purpose arts venue in the heart of Solihull town centre. The Core Theatre comprises a 336 seat raked theatre fully equipped technically with stage flying system, sound and lighting. The busy venue hosts a varied mix of professional and amateur events including music, drama, comedy and dance.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Introduction

  • Comments View
    • For access to the Touchwood Shopping Centre, please see the seperate guide.

Opening Times (The Box Office)

  • Monday 09:30 - 15:00.
  • Tuesday 09:30 - 15:00.
  • Wednesday 10:00 - 15:00.
  • Thursday 09:30 - 15:00.
  • Friday 09:30 - 15:00.
  • Saturday 09:30 - 15:00.
  • Sunday Closed.

Opening Times (Ovations Cafe)

  • Opening times for the venue vary according to bookings/events taking place.

Opening Times (Encore Cafe)

  • Opening times do vary depending on performances.
  • Comments View
    • The cafe opens in accordance with the Core Theatre times which are variable.

Location

  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Solihull.

Parking

  • For details of parking, please see the seperate Touchwood Shopping Centre guide.

Outside Access (Theatre Square Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The bell is not in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The width of the door opening is 141cm (4ft 8in).
  • Second set of doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 150cm (4ft 11in).
  • Comments View
    • There are security barriers between the first and second set of doors.
    • The width between the security barriers is 117cm.

Level Change (Theatre Square Entrance)

  • There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
  • The ramp or slope is located in front of the entrance.

Inside Access

  • There is not level access to the service(s).
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • This venue does play background music.
  • Music is played during events.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • The lighting levels are adjustable.

Reception (Box Office)

  • The desk/counter is 12m (13yd 4in) from the Theatre Square entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are medium.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.

Outside Access (Ground Floor Theatre Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the theatre in the top right hand corner of The Core building.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The door(s) is / are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 164cm (5ft 5in).
  • Second set of doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 94cm (3ft 1in).

Theatre (Theatre)

  • There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
  • Designated seating is located the front row of the theatre.
  • Wheelchairs are left with the patron.
  • A companion may sit with you.
  • Companions sit next to the patron.
  • It is 22m (24yd 2in) 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 system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
  • A deposit is not required for the sound enhancement system.
  • The rows suitable for hearing assistance systems are all rows.
  • There is a wheelchair to borrow.
  • To borrow a wheelchair,ask a member of staff.
  • Concessions are available.
  • Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium.

Eating and Drinking (Encore Cafe)

  • The following information is for the cafe.
  • The cafe is located at the front of the venue to the right of the Theatre Square entrance.
  • 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 a lowered section at the counter.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is 4m (4yd 1ft) from the Theatre Square entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 72cm (2ft 4in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 70cm (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 available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Menus are hand held and wall.
  • 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.
  • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.

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 (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 inside the Theatre Square entrance to the right of the doors.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1.
  • The lift is 3m (3yd 10in) from the Theatre Square entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 140cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are not 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.

Outside Access (First Floor Theatre Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located in the top right hand corner of The Core Building on the first floor.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • Level access is via lift.
  • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The door(s) is / are heavy.
  • The width of the door opening is 138cm (4ft 6in).
  • Second set of doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 112cm (3ft 8in).

Eating and Drinking (Ovations Cafe)

  • The following information is for the café.
  • The café is located in the top right hand corner of building on the first floor.
  • 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 a lowered section at the counter.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the lift.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 43cm (1ft 5in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Menus are wall 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.
  • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.

Changing Places

  • Location and access View
    • The facility is located to the left of the venue.
    • The facility is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the Theatre Square entrance.
    • There is level access to the facility.
  • Dimensions and features View
    • You do need a key for the facility.
    • It is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from a security member of staff.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The width of the door is 103cm (3ft 5in).
    • The dimensions of the facility are 470cm x 300cm (15ft 5in x 9ft 10in).
    • The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
    • The facility changing bench is wall mounted.
    • The length of the facility changing bench is 189cm (6ft 2in).
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead.
    • The overhead hoist covers all areas in cubicle.
    • The sling is attached to the hoist by hook and loop.
    • The facility toilet has a transfer space on both sides.
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 255cm (8ft 4in).
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • Drop down rails are provided for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the drop down rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • The type of wash basin is adjustable.
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available at the wash basin.
    • As you face the wash basin, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • Disposal facilities are available.
    • A privacy screen is available.
    • Wide tear off paper roll is available.
    • The facility has a non-slip floor.
    • A functioning emergency alarm is available.

Baby Change Facility

  • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
  • Baby change facilities are located in a seperate room to the left of the standard toilets.
  • The height of the baby change table once extended is 87cm (2ft 10in).
  • Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.
  • There is a changing bench, a sink, seating and disposal facilities.
  • At the time of survey, it was not possible to photograph the facility.

Accessible Toilet

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) within this venue designated for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is 35m (38yd 10in) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located in the corridor to the right of the theatre box office.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from the cafe.
    • 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 weight is light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 147cm x 204cm (4ft 10in x 6ft 8in).
    • 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is twist/turn.
    • 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 not available in the cubicle.
    • There is not a coat hook.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on the left.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There are mirrors.
    • 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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 112cm (3ft 8in).
    • 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 grab rails 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 bright.

Standard Toilet(s)

Accessible Toilet (First Floor)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the first floor.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from a member of staff.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 96cm (3ft 2in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 152cm x 200cm (4ft 12in x 6ft 7in).
    • 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 83cm (2ft 9in).
    • 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 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 open waste paper bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are 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 not higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • 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 45cm (1ft 6in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 102cm (3ft 4in).
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 101cm (3ft 4in).
    • 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 medium 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.

Standard Toilet(s) (First Floor)

Additional Info

  • Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • 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.
  • This service can be requested.