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Quarterhouse

Mill Bay, Folkestone, Kent, CT20 1BN

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About this venue

Quarterhouse is our performing arts venue. We offer a wide range of cultural events and activities. We aim to be open and accessible to as many people as possible from our community. Our ambition is to improve the visitor experience for deaf and disabled individuals.

Access Guide

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Getting Here

Getting Help and Assistance

  • There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
  • There is not a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
  • There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available.
  • There are not mobility aids available.
  • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people who may feel scared or at risk.

Public Transport and Parking

  • There is a bus stop within approximately 150m of the venue.
  • The nearest train station is Folkestone Central.
  • The venue does not have its own car park.
  • Public parking is available within approximately 200m of the venue.
  • The public parking facilities located close to the venue include: Payers Park Car Park.
  • Standard on street parking is available (within approximately 50m of the venue).

Outside Access

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the corner of the venue on Mill Bay.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Creative Folkestone Quarterhouse'.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the opening is 130cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There are bollards at this entrance.
    • The height of the bollard(s) is 90cm.
    • The bollards do contrast visually with the paving.
    • There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.
    • There is one single bollard at the entrance.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located beyond the entrance.
    • 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 the right going up the ramp.
    • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are moderate to good.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located on the right as you enter.
    • There is/are 2 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on the left going up the step(s).
    • 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 not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the building via lift(s).
    • There is a steep ramp, with a handrail on the right going up, for access to the box office.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are moderate to good.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
    • There is/are 3 unmarked step(s), with a handrail on the left going up, for access to seating area and lift.
    • 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 not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.
    • The ramp and steps are shown in photographs 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
  • Circulation View
    • There are doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet and vinyl.
    • There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are provided in some corridors/walkways.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • There is bench seating at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • Access to other floors/levels is via stairs and lift.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
    • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • Safe Place(s) View
    • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does not play background music in public areas.
    • There is a hearing assistance system in the public areas of the building.

Theatre Foyer

  • Theatre Foyer View
    • The theatre foyer is located directly ahead as you enter the venue.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access to the theatre foyer.
    • There is step-free access throughout the foyer.
    • The type of flooring in the foyer is concrete.
    • There is some flooring in the foyer which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • Wayfinding signage is available.
    • The nearest seating is located on the left as you enter.
    • The foyer does play background music.
  • Box Office View
    • There is a/are box office within the foyer.
    • The counter(s) is/are located directly ahead as you enter.
    • The nearest counter is approximately 18m (19yd 2ft) from the entrance.
    • The counter(s) is/are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access to the counter(s).
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the counter(s).
    • There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the counter(s) which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The counter(s) is/are placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the counter(s) are moderate to good.
    • The height of the counter(s) is/are 75cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter(s).
    • There is not a/are not lowered section(s) of the counter(s).
    • The counter(s) is/are staffed.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the counter(s).
  • Bar View
    • There is not a bar within the foyer.
    • The bar is located on the first floor.
    • The bar is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • The bar is clearly visible from the lift.
    • There is step-free access to the bar, via lift.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the bar.
    • There are not windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the bar which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The bar is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the bar are moderate to good.
    • The height of the bar is 115cm.
    • There is a/are lowered section(s) of the bar.
    • The height of the lowered section(s) at the bar is 90cm.
    • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section of the bar.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the bar.
    • Plastic/takeaway cups are available.
    • Drinking straws are available.
    • There are wall menus available.
    • Tickets cannot be purchased from the bar.

Theatre Information

  • General Information View
    • The theatre auditorium is located to the right of the box office as you enter the building.
  • Theatre Information View
    • The designated seating within the theatre is located in the front of the auditorium and on the balcony .
    • Advanced bookings are available.
    • Concessions are available.
    • Tickets are free for companions/carers.
  • Facilities for Hearing Impaired Patrons View
    • There is a hearing assistance system available in the theatre(s).
    • There is a/are portable hearing assistance system(s) in the theatre(s).
    • The hearing assistance system does cover all areas of the theatre(s).
    • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
    • No performances are captioned.
    • No performances are signed.
  • Facilities for Visually Impaired Patrons View
    • No performances are audio described.

Theatre Seating Area(s)

  • Access to Seating View
    • The information below describes access to the auditorium.
    • The theatre area is located to the right of the box office.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access to the theatre area.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 132cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 110cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 1.5cm or below.
    • All doors accessing the area are similar.
    • The doors is/are permanently held open before and after performances.
    • There is a member of staff available for assistance at the doors before and after performances.
  • Theatre Area Information View
    • The information below describes access to the auditorium.
    • The type of flooring in the seating area is wood.
    • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
    • The nearest accessible toilet is located to the right as you exit the auditorium.
    • There is step free access to a row/rows of seating.
    • The row(s) with step free access is/are row(s) the front row.
    • The access to the majority of seating is located either side of the seats (against wall).
    • There is stepped access to the majority of seating.
  • Designated Seating Area(s) View
    • There is designated seating available in this area.
    • The designated seating area(s) is/are located at the front of the auditorium.
    • The designated seating area(s) is/are not clearly marked/signed.
    • There is step-free access to the designated seating area(s).
    • There is/are 2 designated space(s) for wheelchair users.
    • Wheelchairs may be left with the patron.
    • The visibility of the stage from this seating area is good.
    • Companions/carers sit next to the patron.
    • There is sufficient space for an assistance dog to rest next to you.
    • There is additional seating in the balcony on the first floor which can be accessed via the steps in the auditorium or via the lift to the first floor.
  • Comments View
    • Additional designated seating spaces can be made available if necessary.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Ground Floor - Female - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the left of the box office within the standard female toilets.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a female toilet. There is a separate male accessible toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a sliding bolt.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 104cm (3ft 5in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is poor.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 160cm x 220cm (5ft 3in x 7ft 3in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary and general waste (with lid) disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 170cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is not a mirror.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • 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).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 69cm (2ft 3in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 105cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is poor.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are for public use.
    • The stairs are located to the left of the box office.
    • The stairs are approximately 25m from the entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail 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.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are moderate to good.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the right as you enter.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is poor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 112cm x 134cm (3ft 8in x 4ft 5in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is not a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are good.

Eating and Drinking (First Floor - The Clearing Bar)

  • Location and Access View
    • The following information is for the bar.
    • The bar is located on the first floor.
    • There is step-free access, via lift, to the bar.
    • For access there is a single manual door which may be difficult to open.
  • Service and Menus View
    • Tables cannot be booked in advance.
    • There is a bar where drinks can be ordered.
    • Staff can bring food and/or drinks to tables.
    • Menu types include: written wall menus.
    • Menus are clearly written.
    • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
    • Staff can read menus to customers if requested.
    • Plastic/takeaway cups are available.
    • Adapted cups are not available.
    • Drinking straws are available.
    • This area does play background music.
    • Background music is played at all times.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system .
  • Service Counter(s) View
    • The height of the counter is 116cm.
    • The height of the lowered section at the counter is 90cm.
    • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section of the counter.
    • There is a moveable card machine available for payment.
    • The type of flooring in this area is carpet.
  • Tables and Seating View
    • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • Staff can move furniture to make a table accessible to wheelchair users.
    • The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 73cm.
    • Some tables are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs have armrests on both sides.
    • In this area there are coffee tables, long tables, bench seats and stools.
    • The type of flooring in this area is carpet.
    • There is flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • Lighting levels may be lower in the evening.

Accessible Toilet(s) (First Floor - Male - Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the first floor, at the top of the stairs within the standard male toilets.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet, via lift.
    • This is a male toilet. There is a separate female accessible toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a sliding bolt.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 98cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is poor.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 145cm x 218cm (4ft 9in x 7ft 2in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are low to moderate.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 75cm (2ft 6in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a waste disposal bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is poor.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are general waste (with lid) disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 168cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is not a mirror.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • 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).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 89cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is poor.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 69cm (2ft 3in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 88cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is poor.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female toilet is located to the left of the box office.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 25m from the entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 78cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • Lighting levels are low to moderate.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are available in both the female and male toilets.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available.
    • The height of the baby change table is 100cm.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The male toilet is located on the first floor, at the top of the stairs by the door to The Clearing Bar.
    • There is step-free access to the toilet(s), via lift.
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 18m from the lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 79cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • Lighting levels are low to moderate.