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The Anvil

Churchill Way, Basingstoke, Hampshire, RG21 7QR

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About this venue

The Anvil is one of Hampshire’s largest entertainment venues and offers a wide range of entertainment for all ages including stand-up comedy, theatre, ballet & opera, classical music, pop concerts and pantomime.

Access Guide

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Introduction

  • The Anvil Theatre is located next to The Malls Shopping Centre. .
  • The shopping centre opposite the station has recently been renovated. .
  • There is lift access down to the Anvil. This gives level access between the car park and the concert hall, bypassing the ramp and steps.
  • New toilets have been constructed adjacent to the lift in Castle Square and include a Changing Places facility.
  • The box office at The Haymarket Theatre can also be used to purchase tickets.
  • The box office opens 10.00-18.00 Monday to Saturday and one hour before performances on A Sunday. .
  • Theatre opening times vary according to production.

Location

  • The venue is situated within the centre of the town.
  • This venue is situated in Basingstoke.
  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • The venue is not situated on a road which has a steep gradient.
  • The nearest mainline station is Basingstoke.

Opening Times (Box Office)

  • Opening times vary according to screening times.
  • Comments View
    • The opening times refer to the box office and can vary depending on performances.
    • The box office will open 1 hour before performance scheduled start time.
    • Theatre opening times vary according to production.
    • August only opening times from 10.00 - 17.00
    • & Saturday 10.00 - 15.00.

Parking

  • The venue does not have its own car park.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
    • The name of the car park is The Malls Multi-Storey Car Park.
    • The car park is located above the shopping centre.
  • On Street Blue Badge Parking View
    • On street marked Blue Badge bays are available.
    • The dimensions of the marked Blue Badge bays are 350cm x 450cm (11ft 6in x 14ft 9in).
    • On street Blue Badge parking is located infront of the venue.
  • On Street Standard Parking View
    • Clearly signed and / or standard marked parking bays are not available.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is a designated drop off point.
    • The drop off point is located at the top of the pathway leading to main entrance.
  • Comments View
    • Blue Badge holders can park for free in the public car park but do have to register.

Level Change (Walkway From Car Park)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located on the path leading to 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 not have handrails.
  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located on the shortest path leading to the entrance.
  • There is/are 8 step(s) to the area/service.
  • There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the steps.
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on the right going up the step(s).
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located next to The Malls.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • Level access is via lift.
  • The main doors open automatically.
  • The doors are double width.
  • The door opening is 252cm (8ft 3in) wide.

Reception (Box Office)

  • The reception desk is 9m (29ft 6in) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to reception from the entrance.
  • The reception desk is medium height.
  • The desk has a lowered section.
  • Lighting levels are bright.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use system.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Lighting levels are varied.

Theatre

  • There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
  • Designated seating is located in Row G.
  • The view is limited by patrons in front.
  • Wheelchairs are left with the patron.
  • A companion may sit with you.
  • Companions sit next to or in front of the patron.
  • It is 20m (21yd 2ft) 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 infrared.
  • 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.
  • Comments View
    • Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium but please discuss suitable seating areas at the time of booking.
    • Portable hearing headsets and neck loops are also available.
    • There are certain small sections which the hearing assistance system does not cover.
    • The local Shopmobility will provide access equipment to the concert hall if contacted in advance.
    • Concessions are available on advertised performances.
    • BSL signed performances are available for the pantomime.
    • Level access seating is available in Rows C, CB and CC, DB and DC of the Circle and row H of the Stalls.

Level Change (Bar)

  • There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
  • The ramp or slope is located leading down to the main bar area from the lobby.
  • The ramp or slope is permanent.
  • The width of the ramp or slope is 122cm (4ft 0in).
  • There are steps to access this area / service.
  • The steps are located leading down to the main bar area from the lobby.
  • There is / are 3 step(s) to the area / service.
  • Lighting levels at the steps are bright.
  • The steps are clearly marked.
  • The steps are medium.
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.
  • Comments View
    • The ramp bypasses the steps.
    • There are some additional tables in the level lobby area.

Eating and Drinking (Bar)

  • The following information is for the bar.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • There is a lowered section at the counter.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • All chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • The standard height for tables is 73cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • The type of food served here is cold snacks such as crisps and cookies.

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.
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting level is bright.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located in the entrance hall, opposite the box office.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1.
  • The lift is 4m (13ft 1in) from main 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 150cm x 140cm (4ft 11in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The controls for the lift are within reach for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift controls do not have Braille markings.
  • The lift controls do have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is bright.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilets are available.
  • Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
    • The female toilets are located at the rear of the lobby.
    • The female toilets are 27m (30yd) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet.
    • Lighting levels are bright.
  • Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
    • The male toilets are located at the rear of the lobby, to the right.
    • The male toilets are 35m (38yd) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet.
    • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Baby Change Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
    • Baby change facilities are located in the standard toilets.
    • The height of the baby change table once extended is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.
  • Comments View
    • Please speak with a member of staff regarding pushchair storage.
    • Additional standard toilets, with stepped access, are located on the first floor.
    • .

Accessible Toilet (Ground Floor)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is tactile and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 27m (29yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located at the rear of the lobby, next to the auditorium.
    • 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 twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 142cm x 170cm (4ft 8in x 5ft 7in).
    • 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 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.
    • 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/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 45cm (1ft 6in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 125cm (4ft 1in).
    • 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 placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 75cm (2ft 6in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is fair.
    • There is a medium 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 good.

Accessible Toilet (First Floor)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is tactile and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 35m (38yd 10in) 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 shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 76cm (2ft 6in).
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 122cm x 184cm (4ft x 6ft).
    • 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 65cm (2ft 2in).
    • 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.
    • 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 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 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 138cm (4ft 6in).
    • 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 is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 75cm (2ft 6in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is fair.
    • There is a medium 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 good.

Additional Info

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