Fringe Central at Appleton Tower

11 Crichton Street, Edinburgh, EH8 9LE, United Kingdom | Website

BWP

Edinburgh

501

696

Performers, Media, Productions and Fringe

2 likes

Visit date: August 2017

This review is especially helpful for those who have or use the following: Powerchair

Overview

Fringe Central is the meeting, support and information centre for participants in the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Based in Appleton Tower just by George Square. Access is very good and well thought out.

Transport & Parking

Faultless in that there are two accessible parking bays right outside the main entrance. Buses also pass along the adjacent road and there is ample space for taxis to drop people off at the door. If arriving as a pedestrian the building is clearly sign posted with large notices and floor graphics.

Access

Approaching the main entrance a push pad triggers the wide automated doors. Once inside a clear floor graphic offers a welcome and directs visitors up the stairs or via the access route. The access route is clearly signpost and leads you to a large lift which has room to turn a powerchair in. The buttons are clearly labelled so you know where to head for. A brilliant addition is a doorbell push button on the first door so that you can call for assistance if you need a hand - the labelling clearly explains this in a way that is welcoming and encouraging. Once in the main space there is plenty of room to move around with loads of seating, computer access, a cafe and a recreation with dropped counter.

Toilets

The accessible toilets are great in that there is an accessible loo adjacent to the reception area. Large with grab rails, good lighting and turning space. More than that, there is a mobile Changing Places toilet station adjacent to the main entrance to the building in Windmill Street. Open from 10 am to 10 pm and staffed by volunteers.

Staff

All the staff were cheerful friendly and helpful. Even when things didn't quite work as expected their enthusiasm and willingness to put things right or find other ways of doing things was great.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

One of those 'behind the scenes' aspects of the Edinburgh Festival fringe that most folk may not get to see but that it doing great things to encourage participation in the fringe at all levels and by everyone.