Building accessibility

Arriving by train

The single biggest access consideration for arriving by train is which platform you arrive at.

• Arriving from London (the Southend-bound platform): the platform is on the same side of the line as the venue, and the route to the entrance is step-free. TODO: walking time, likely 2 to 3 minutes.
• Arriving from Southend (the London-bound platform): the platform is on the far side of the line. The quick route is over the footbridge, which has steps. The step-free route uses the ramp at the northern end of the platform onto Hall Road, follows Hall Road under the railway bridge to West Street, then goes right along West Street and right again down Bradley Way past the station car park to the venue: about 420 metres, allow 7 minutes.
• Leaving towards London: the same applies in reverse. Allow at least 10 minutes from the venue door to the London-bound platform if you need the step-free route, especially for the last train.
• Google Maps and other apps do not show the step-free route. They will send you to the footbridge. See the diagram on the getting here page.

Arrival by car

• Blue Badge bays: TODO: number and location in the Freight House Car Park.
• Distance from the Blue Badge bays to the entrance: TODO.
• Drop-off point: TODO: confirm location near the entrance.
• Surface: TODO (tarmac, gravel, paving).
• Gradient: TODO.
• Lighting after dark: TODO.

Entrance

• Step-free: TODO: confirm for the main entrance.
• Door width: TODO.
• Automatic or manual: TODO.
• Ramp gradient, if any: TODO.
• Handrails: TODO.

Inside the building

• The event hall is on the ground floor and is level throughout, apart from the steps up to the stage.
• Lift: see the lift status notice at the top of this page. While it is out of service, the first floor (museum and community space) can only be reached by stairs. TODO: number of stairs, handrails on which side, whether there is a landing.
• Corridor widths: TODO.
• Flooring: TODO (for example, level timber floor in the hall).
• Seating: TODO: whether seating is available in each area for people who need to rest.

Toilets

• Accessible toilet: TODO: location, dimensions, transfer side, grab rails, emergency cord (and whether it reaches the floor).
• Changing Places facility: TODO: yes or no. If no, the nearest Changing Places toilet is: TODO.
• Gender-neutral toilets: TODO.
• Baby changing: TODO.

Hearing

• Induction loop: TODO: whether there is one and in which rooms.
• BSL interpretation: available on request for events. TODO: how much notice is needed and who to ask.
• Quiet spaces: TODO.

Vision

• Signage: TODO: contrast and size.
• Lighting levels: TODO.
• Assistance dogs are always welcome. A water bowl is available. TODO: confirm.
• Large-print information: this page is available as a plain-text, large-print download.

Neurodivergent visitors

• Sensory map: TODO.
• Quiet hours: TODO.
• Ear defenders: TODO: whether these are available to borrow.
• What to expect: TODO: a photo walkthrough from the station to the hall.

The hackspace workshop

The workshop has specific hazards: noise, dust, fumes from some processes and moving machinery. Personal protective equipment is provided. Adaptations for members with access needs are worked out individually. TODO: confirm which floor the workshop is on and describe access to it.

The museum

• Display heights: TODO.
• Large-print guides: TODO.
• Tactile exhibits: TODO.
• Access: the museum is on the first floor. See the lift status notice at the top of this page.

Emergency evacuation

• Refuge points: TODO.
• Personal emergency evacuation plans (PEEPs): TODO: how to arrange one before a visit.
• Visual fire alarms: TODO.

Contact for access queries

Email [email protected] before your visit and we will do our best to answer. TODO: confirm the address and response time.

Events

All events are held in the event hall on the ground floor, which has step-free access. No lift is needed to attend an event. The only steps in the hall lead to the stage; tell us in advance if a performer or speaker needs a step-free alternative. Each event listing carries its own access notes, such as “seated event”, “loud music” or “BSL interpreter present”.

Diagram: routes from the station

Last reviewed 8 September 2026. Access queries:[email protected].