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Disabled Access Guide for Abbey Theatre
Westminster Lodge
Holywell Hill
St Albans
Hertfordshire
AL1 2DL
Tel: 01727 847472
Fax: 01727 812742
Email: manager@abbeytheatre.org.uk
Web: http://www.abbeytheatre.org.uk
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Location
The venue is situated within the centre of the town or city.
This venue is situated in St Albans.
The venue is not on a road with a steep gradient.
The nearest mainline Railway Station is St Albans City.
Parking
This venue does have its own car park.
The car park is at the front of the venue.
The car park type is open air/surface.
There are 3 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 3.7m x 4.6m (12ft 1in x 15ft 1in).
The nearest designated bay is 24m (26yd) from the main accessible entrance.
The car park surface is tarmac.
The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
The maximum height is 2m (6ft 6in).
Outside Access (Main Entrance)
There is not level access to the service.
The bell is in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
The main doors open towards you (pull).
The doors are double width.
The doors are heavy.
The door opening is 112cm (3ft 8in) wide.
There is a second set of doors.
The doors open towards you (pull).
The doors are double width.
The doors are heavy.
The door opening is 92cm (3ft ) wide.
Level Change (Main Entrance)
There is a ramp or slope to access this area/service.
The ramp or slope is located to the left of the main entrance.
The ramp or slope is moderate.
The ramp or slope is permanent.
There are steps to access this area/service.
There are 3 steps to the area/service.
The lighting levels at the steps are bright.
The steps are not clearly marked.
The steps are medium.
The steps do have handrails.
The handrails are on the right going up.
The ramp is used to overcome the steps.
Reception
The reception desk is 1m (3ft 3in) from the front entrance.
There is level access to reception from the entrance.
The reception desk is medium height.
Lighting levels are bright.
There is a hearing assistance system.
The hearing system is a fixed loop.
Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
Inside Access
There is level access to the service.
There is a hearing assistance system.
The system is infrared.
Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
The lighting levels are low.
Adapted Toilet
There are adapted toilets within this venue designated for public use.
Location of and access to adapted toilets
The toilet is for the sole use of disabled people.
The adapted toilet is 9m (29ft 6in) from the accessible entrance.
The adapted toilet is located to the left of the main foyer.
Features and dimensions of adapted toilets
This is a unisex toilet.
A key is not required for the adapted toilet.
The door opens outwards.
The door is locked by a locking handle.
The dimensions of the adapted toilet are 225cm x 180cm (7ft 4in x 5ft 10in).
There is a lateral transfer space.
As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
The lateral transfer space is 76cm (2ft 5in).
The tap type is lever.
There is a functional emergency alarm available.
Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
Position of fixtures in adapted toilets
Wall mounted rails are available.
As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
There are mirrors in the adapted toilet.
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 towel dispenser.
The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm.
The towel dispenser is 110cm (3ft 7in) high.
There is a toilet roll holder.
The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm.
There is a sink.
The sink is not placed higher than 74cm.
Colour contrast and lighting in adapted toilets
The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
Wall mounted and drop down rails are available.
There are baby changing facilities in the adapted toilet.
Standard Toilet
Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
Standard toilets are available.
Access to Standard Female Toilets
The female toilets are located to the right of the main foyer.
The female toilets are 8m (26ft 2in) from the accessible entrance.
Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet.
Lighting levels are bright.
Access to Standard Male Toilets
The male toilets are located to the right of the main foyer.
The male toilets are 6m (19ft 8in) from the accessible entrance.
Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet.
Lighting levels are bright.
Baby Change Facilities
Baby change facilities are not located within the standard toilet.
Restaurant / Bar (bar)
Once inside, there is level access to the service.
Full table service is available.
There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
No tables are permanently fixed.
No chairs are permanently fixed.
The distance between the floor and the lowest dining table is 63cm (2ft ) cm.
The type of food served here is drinks and crisps.
Full waitress service to bar is available on request.
Theatre / Opera House
There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
Designated seating is located the front of the auditorium.
This venue does not provide audio described performances.
There is a hearing assistance system.
The hearing system is infrared.
Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
A deposit is not required for the hearing system.
There is a wheelchair to borrow.
To borrow the wheelchair box office staff or the house manager.
Concessions are available.
Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium.
The adapted toilet is 8m from the foyer.
The adapted toilet is 20m from the auditorium.
The wheelchair user can transfer to a seat if preferred. The wheelchair will be stored in a cupboard next to the seating and the usher will be made aware.
Concessions are available for wheelchair users, but not companions.
Additional Information
Staff do receive disability awareness training.
Documents are not available in Braille.
Documents can be requested in large print.
Registered assistance dogs are welcomed.
Drinking straws are available on request.
The Christmas show is always signed.
Plastic cups are available on request. Staff are trained to take TypeTalk calls.
Comments
The theatre opening times will vary, depending on performances.
The box office is open 09.30 - 12.00 & 20.00 - 21.00 Monday to Friday. 09.30 - 12.00 Saturday.
