Accessibility: The Waterfront

1. Introduction

We’re committed to making performances accessible to everyone and are able to offer free carers tickets for events at The LCR and The Waterfront to patrons with disabilities. If the information you require is not listed below, then please get in touch via email on boxoffice@uea.ac.uk.

We work with Attitude is Everything specifically to improve Deaf and disabled people's access to live music by working in partnership with audiences, artists and the music industry. If you are interested in the work Attitude Is Everything does, then please visit their website to get involved or donate - www.attitudeiseverything.org.uk.

Please note we are unable to guarantee carers tickets for the other venues that we sell tickets on behalf of. Please contact that venue directly to discuss their policy.

2. Contact Details

For all enquiries please contact boxoffice@uea.ac.uk. The Waterfront telephone line is 01603 632717

3. Download this guide

Download the Waterfront Accessibility Guide

4. Venue Description + Access Facilities

There is step free access from the nearest car park on Rouen Road, however the route has a moderate to steep slope. Cars are able to stop directly outside the venue to drop off passengers.

The building comprises two floors. The ground floor contains a 700 capacity main room with integral bar and disabled toilets. There is step free access to all facilities. There is space to the side of the stage that may be used by wheelchair users during concerts. Whilst we cannot guarantee that this will be free to use as a viewing area, we will do our best to accommodate any requirements. Please contact us prior to purchasing a ticket if a viewing area is desired as the availability of this space is subject to the event and is limited on a first come first serve basis. For health and safety reasons, wheelchairs cannot be situated in front of the stage barrier.

The Waterfront Studio is a 200 capacity room on the first floor which is accessible via a flight of stairs or lift. The café bar is also located on this floor. This lift will not operate in the event of an emergency, and so we advise that wheelchair users email the Box Office on boxoffice@uea.ac.uk before purchasing tickets for Studio shows to discuss their needs. The viewing area is all on one level and there is no designated space for wheelchair users, however the view from the side of the room should be adequate.

5. Companion Tickets + How To Apply (if applicable)

If you require space in the viewing area, please contact the Box Office to check availability prior to purchasing any tickets to check availability.

Once this has been confirmed, or if you do not require space in the viewing area, please purchase one standard ticket and then email us at boxoffice@uea.ac.uk with your booking reference and some proof of disability:

Front page of DLA letter (no specific rate required)
Front page of Attendance Allowance letter (no specific rate required)
Receipt of Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Evidence that registered severely sight impaired (blind)
CredAbility Access Card (+ 1 category requirement)
Blue Badge

We will review an application without the recommended evidence on a case-by-case basis.

Once received, we will then email you a free ticket to be used by your Personal Assistant/Companion.

Please note that our staff are not trained to lift or carry people who may need help or to assist with personal or medical needs. We provide a free personal assistant ticket so that customers with these needs may be able to attend.

6. Priority Entry / Queue Jump

Customers who have reserved spaces in the accessible viewing area will have priority access into the venue. Upon arrival, please bypass the queue and head straight to the door staff. Let them know you have contacted us and booked spaces so they can direct you into the viewing area.

We can also provide priority entry for customers that have the Standing and Queuing Symbol on their Access Card. Please send your booking reference and a photo of your Access Card to boxoffice@uea.ac.uk so we can make a note for the door staff.

We will review requests without the recommended evidence on a case-by-case basis.

Please note, you will not be allowed into the venue any earlier than when doors open as the bands will be completing their sound checks. Doors times change for each event, please check the relevant event page for this information.

7. Travel Guide

There is no parking adjacent to the venue, however cars are able to stop directly outside the venue to drop off passengers.

The nearest car park is Rouen Road car park, which is approximately 230m (251yds) away. Rouen Road car park has 4 disabled spaces and blue badge concession (buy 1hr and get another 1hr free). There is step free access from Rouen Road, however the route has a moderate to steep slope.

The nearest National Rail station is Norwich.

There nearest bus stops are located on Riverside Road, within 490m (535ds) of the venue.

Mini cabs can be booked in advance and wait immediately adjacent to the main venue entrance for pick up.

8. Arrival Guide

On the evening of an event, we offer for disabled customers to arrive at the venue 10-15 minutes prior to the doors opening to allow for early entrance. The doors opening time can vary per event, so please check in advance. Please make yourself known to Box Office or Security Staff upon arrival.

9. Toilets

Ground Floor: there is a disabled toilet situated in the box office immediately adjacent to the main entrance. There are no disabled facilities within either of the male/female blocks.

First Floor: There is a disabled toilet situated between the male and female toilet blocks, in between the concert hall and the cocktail bar. There are no disabled facilities within either of the male/female blocks.

10. Customers with Medical Requirements

We welcome attendees to bring medicine, food or drink needed to manage a medical condition as well as medical equipment with them to our venue – there is a no liquid on entrance policy, however if you explain it is for medical purposes, this will be allowed. We do ask that you let staff know of any medicine, equipment or needed food and drink that is on your person upon arrival. In the event of an emergency, please contact security or ask to speak to the Duty Manager on shift.

11. Access to Performance

We do not have any audio enhancement loops or mobile connect systems at this time.

12. Assistance Dogs

Guide and hearing assistance dogs are welcome, just be sure to let us know when you book.

13. Strobe Lighting

Strobe lighting, lighting that produces stroboscopic effects, smoke machines and other theatrical effects may be used during shows in our venue.