Overview

Visited for a Christmas Fair on this occasion , venue is part of the Crichton Estate. Venue can also be used for conferences, balls, weddings, concerts etc. Have visited this venue for concerts and other occasions. Reasonably accessible, although a large area to cover for those with limited mobility

Transport & Parking

I travelled by wheelchair taxi. Huge car park near the venue and several designated accessible spaces outside the building. A public bus service serves the Crichton estate from the town.

Access

Wheelchair access was via a ramp at the front, push button in place to open the door automatically, though it is placement is not clearly visible. My concern would be leaving the venue via this access, I use a power chair at times, and the door opens onto a set of steps, you have to turn at right angles to use the ramp. It would be quite easy to come down the steps if you were to exit too quickly. Everything was on the flat, and signage good, there are various rooms, as well as the main hall, which are quite a distance, but there is seating for a rest. There is an upstairs balcony , but no lift to access it. The double doors to access all areas are very heavy and impossible to access without assistance. I saw no signage advising of induction loops or alternative format

Toilets

Clean and fresh , large toilets ,plenty of room to manoeuvre. Plenty of grab rails in place, and assistance cord, I left a couple of Euan’s guide red cord cards. Toilets are at each far end of the venue, quite a distance if you’re walking from the main hall

Staff

Staff are always friendly and helpful. There is a reception area available at all times for help/ advice

Anything else you wish to tell us?

Popular local venue which I’ve visited many times as mentioned. If you are attending a concert advise when you book that you require wheelchair seating, and enquire about companion concessions, depending on the ticket sales company,essential companions are sometimes admitted for free. Accessible seating is usually at the front offering a good view of the acts. A warning sign about the closeness of the steps to the accessible exit would be useful

Photos