ACCESS STATEMENT
Our Cinema’s Accessibility
The Gaiety cinema is an old building, dating from 1922. Because of this, we know and we understand that the building will present access challenges, particularly for those customers with limited mobility. We are committed to creating a safe environment and we will strive to review the scope for improving our facilities for accessibility on a regular basis. Parking
Public pay and display parking is available directly opposite the cinema in Tangier Street and to the rear of the cinema in Senhouse Street and Church Street. Public Transport
The cinema is located a short distance from Whitehaven rail station approx. 1/4 mile. A number of buses serving the town centre of Whitehaven with outlying suburbs and surrounding villages pass along Tangier Street, with the nearest bus shop being outside The Bransty Arch - Wetherspoons public house. There are a number of taxi ranks within a short distance of the cinema. Disability Access
The cinema entrance is up a single step, with access beyond to the foyer/ticketing/kiosk sales at 1st floor level being up three further step levels (of 4, 13 and 9 steps respectively) with quarter or half landings in between. Access from the foyer/ticketing 1st floor level to the auditorium/screen level at 2nd floor is up three further flights of stairs (5, 3 and 12 steps respectively) with two half landings in between. The stairs to the foyer and and auditorium are wide and handrails are provided to ease stair access and egress. From the entrance at the rear of the auditorium, access to seating levels range from being on the same level to a series of steps down (up to 12 steps) or steps up (2). Access to the WC facilities are up 4 steps for the Ladies and 3 steps for the Gentlemen. The Emergency exit from the top of the auditorium like the main entrance is down a series of steps (46 in total) with 5 landings/ half landings. The emergency exist steps are wide and handrails are provided. Due to the age and physical constraints of the building we are unable to provide facilities for those customers requiring step free access to the foyer or the auditorium. As an alternative, our 3 screen cinema The Ritz, John Peel House Workington (approx. 8 miles away) is able to offer full flat level disability access across all 3 screens including the foyer, screens and toilet facilities, with disabled parking bays located a short distance away. Please enquire at the ticket office as to whether the film you wish to see is available at this alternative venue. Technical Adjustments
Acoustic loop facilities are provided in the screen. Customers seeking headsets for Audio Described films should request these from the ticket office in the foyer. Please enquire of the ticket office in advance for those films that we can offer with in an AD format and specially dedicated autism friendly screening at the Gaiety or The Plaza . Cinema Exhibitors' Association Card (CEA card) helps us to ensure that reasonable support is available to customers. If you require a carer, you can apply for a CEA card by requesting an application form in the foyer or from www.ceacard.co.uk. Your CEA card will entitle your accompanying carer to a free seat. This is available for all shows
If you need more information about disabled access please call Gaiety Cinema during opening hours 01946 748507.
