Access Information

Approach, routes and street information

unitytheatre is situated on Hope Place, which is between Hope Street and Pilgrim Street.  Even though there are no aural or tactile signs there are signposts from the city centre to unitytheatre and plenty of city centre landmarks to follow.  At either end of Hope Street are the two Liverpool Cathedrals.  Hope Place is in the middle of these, between the Philharmonic Hall and the “Suitcase” pavement art.  If you are approaching Hope Street from Liverpool City Centre then the landmark to look out for is St Luke’s Church, also known locally as the “Bombed Out Church”, which is at the bottom of Hardman Street, leading on to Hope Street.

Please note that there are no drop down kerbs on Hope Place, there are some on Hope Street and Pilgrim Street.

The drop off point for the theatre is right outside the building on Hope Place.  However, please note that between 8am & 6pm it is residents only parking on Hope Place.

Train

unitytheatre is approximately 1.1 miles (1.8 Kilometres) from Lime Street Station and 0.5 miles (0.8 Kilometres) from Central Station.  For timetable information call 08457 484 950. 

Bus

The closest bus stop, situated on Hardman Street (Philharmonic Hall in the direction towards the city centre and by the Flute public house in direction away from the city centre), is less than 0.25 miles (0.4 kilometres).  Merseyside’s SMART buses 1 and 4 link Hardman Street with Liverpool city centre and both train stations.  For timetable information call 0151 236 7676.

Merseylink is Merseytravel's dial-a-ride service for people with impaired mobility.  You can contact them on 0151 709 1929.

Car Parking

Unfortunatley there is no unitytheatre car park, it is recommended that you use the car park adjacent to the Philharmonic Hall on Caledonia Street. It costs £3 to park all day. The car park is on street level and is less than 0.25 miles (0.4 kilometres) from unitytheatre.

However if this is full there is pay and display parking available on both Hope and Pilgrim Streets. Please note that between 8am & 6pm it is 'residents' only' parking in Hope Place after which parking is subject to availability.

Entry into the building

unitytheatre has a wide and graded ramp on the left hand side as you face the building.  The surface is slip-resistant with handrails.

For theatre companies needing for stage access for a get-in there is a wide raked step from the dock doors to street level. If this is a problem your technician for the day will be able to assist. Please contact Phil Saunders, Technical Manager, on 0151 702 7368 or philsaunders@unitytheatre.co.uk

Entrances

The front of unitytheatre is all glass. The main entrance at the top of the ramp has the unitytheatre sign etched on to it. The door on the right, as you face the building with steps leading to it, is only used in emergencies. The main door opens both ways, wide enough for all users, easy to open, self-closing and has a long silver vertical handle.  There is a weather mat directly under the door that is level to the door and the rest of the floor in the foyer.

There is an entry phone system in operation when ticketoffice is closed. It is on the left as you approach the main entrance on the ramp. However there is a step and some users may find the height of the system too high. It is easy to use as there is only one button that calls all the phones in the office. Someone will answer your call and let you in as soon as possible.

Reception areas and lobbies

As you go through the front door the ticketoffice is on the left hand side suitable for approach and use from both sides by all users. There is a table and several chairs opposite the front door for use as a waiting area.

The floor in this area is laminate wood flooring.

There are two doors leading from the reception area. On the left hand side a single door leading to stairs and a double door on the right leading to unityone, the lift that goes to all levels and an accessible toilet. There is a direction sign for the other parts of the building in-between the doors.

Please note that unitytheatre does not have a wheelchair for hire at the present moment.

Corridors

The corridors in unitytheatre are wide enough for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre and for other people to pass. They are free from obstructions to wheelchair users and from hazards to people with impaired sight. There is enough space for wheelchair users to clear one door before approaching a second in such situations. There is dark coloured carpet in all of the corridors.

The lighting throughout the building is a mixture of natural and artificial light in an attempt to avoid glare and silhouettes. There is signage of a reasonable size with information about how to reach other parts of the building. However there are no tactile signs available.

Accessible Toilets

There is one accessible toilet on each level of the theatre. They are fitted with a pull string alarm if help is needed. As soon as the alarm is sounded a member of staff will be available to help.

Bar areas

All the bars are accessible via the lift. Laminate Flooring covers all the bar areas  In this space are tables and chairs with a sofa in the corner edge of the room.

In this area is unitytheatre’s exhibition area. These are free to view during opening hours of the theatre.

Staff

It is unitytheatre policy to train every member of staff in disability equality training. If, however, you have any issues with the attitude or assistance you receive whilst visiting us please do not hesitate to contact the Marketing Manager, Mike James on 0151 702 7362, or michaeljames@unitytheatre.co.uk

Lift

The lift is accessible to wheelchair users, has buttons where the numbers stick out and is a talking lift.

However, during an emergency evacuation the lift does not work. There are evacu-chairs available for such situations and all staff are fully trained in how to use it.

Inside the Theatre Space

There are two studio spaces within unitytheatre.

unityone has 150 seats and has infrared transmission for audio description and to boost recieved sound. The auditiorium is accessible from the ground and first floor. The first floor entrance leads to stairs going down to the stage.

unitytwo has 88 seats and is only accessible from the second floor and is fitted with an induction loop.

In both auditoria the seating faces the stage with the spaces for wheelchair users on the front row. The stairs in each space are evenly spaced with white edging to define each step.

To book a wheelchair space we ask you call ticketoffice anytime before you arrive so we can best accommodate your needs.

If you have any other queries please do not hesitate to contact any of the ticketoffice staff on 0151 709 4988 or info@unitytheatre.co.uk