The John Peel Centre for Creative Arts is committed to providing an accessible and inclusive environment for all our visitors.
A full report of our venue accessibility is available by visiting AccessAble
Download PDF version of this page HERE
Download Word document HERE
Read our Digital brochure HERE
Listen to our Audio brochure HERE
LOCATION ADDRESS & CONTACT DETAILS
John Peel Centre for Creative Arts, Church Walk,
Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 1ET
Telephone: 01449 774678
Email Access Manager and Mental Health Lead bobby@johnpeelcentre.co.uk
LOCATION
The John Peel Centre is located on Church Walk in Stowmarket, Suffolk. The building has an accessible entrance, with push button access double doors and step-free access throughout the venue. Once you have entered the building you will find accessible toilets to the right (there are no disabled facilities within either of the male or female blocks), and the performance hall is located on the ground floor.
ACCESSIBLE PARKING
There is one space for blue badge holders outside the building on Church Walk and a drop off point. Other than that, we do not have any venue-specific parking, However, there are a number of public and supermarket car parks close to the venue, which are also detailed in the Find us section. The nearest car park is Union Street Car Park, approximately 0.1 miles away. Parking is also available at Asda (Iliffe Way), B&M (Milton Road), and Ipswich Street. All of these car parks are free after 6pm. Street parking close to the Centre is limited and we do not recommend it.
The nearest railway station is Stowmarket railway station, which is approximately 0.2 miles away.
Exit the station through the main station entrance on platform 2, heading through the car park towards Station Road. Walk up towards the traffic lights, and you will see the church spire of St Peter & St Mary ahead of you. Cross at the traffic lights and turn left into Church Walk. Follow Church Walk, passing the Library on your left. The Centre is straight in front of you. For more information, please visit https://www.johnpeelcentre.com/findus
ARRIVAL AT THE CENTRE
On the day of the event, we can allow early entrance to the venue for disabled customers for up to fifteen minutes prior to the doors opening. The doors opening time can vary per event, so please do check in advance.
Please note, artists may still be performing sound checks and other final preparations during this time so there may be loud noises. You will be greeted by Box Office staff and If you have requested access provisions in advance, please make yourself known to the Box Office or Duty Manager.
WHEELCHAIR ACCESS
Although we do not currently have a viewing platform, we are able to offer wheelchair users accessibility during performances. During standing shows, wheelchair users can gain 15 minute early access by prior arrangement. If you do not contact us prior to the event, please make yourself known to the Duty Manager on arrival and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
ACCESSIBLE TOILETS
The Accessible toilet is located on the right of side of the foyer. The route to the toilet has step-free level access. There is pictorial signage on the door which opens outwards. The width of the door opening is 80cm and the door has a twist lock.
There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
The lateral transfer space is 83cm (from the side of the toilet pan to the wall).
And there is a lever flush on the non-transfer side and a horizontal grab rail.
There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side and a dropdown rail.
The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor and there is a wall mounted toilet roll holder, a wash basin, a wall mounted soap dispenser, and a wall mounted towel dispenser. The wash basin has a lever mixer tap and there are vertical grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
There is a pull cord emergency alarm.
The cubicle has a waste bin and a sanitary bin, a mirror, a coat hook, and a baby changing table.
Images of the toilet are available HERE
FIRST FLOOR MEZZANINE
There is a mezzanine floor which is accessible by stairs or a lift. The lift is approximately 5 metres from the front entrance and 3.5 metres from the entrance to the performance hall. Seats are available on the mezzanine as long as you are able to evacuate fully of your own accord down stairs. This is strictly for Health and Safety reasons as there are no emergency fire exits on the mezzanine floor.
COMPLIMENTARY PA TICKETS
The John Peel Centre provides complimentary tickets for personal assistants, carers and support workers, for those who may not otherwise be able to attend our venue without support. If you require a PA ticket, please contact us by telephone to purchase at 01449 774678 or email our Access Manager bobby@johnpeelcentre.co.uk
MEDICAL
Visitors who may need to bring food, drink, medicine or medical equipment with them to manage a medical condition are welcome. If you have any concerns about being allowed entry with any items you require, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
At this stage we do not have any audio enhancement loops or mobile connect systems, however this is something the JPC is looking into.
ASSISTANCE DOGS
We can accommodate visitors with assistance dogs. Please let us know at the time of booking so that we can make arrangements for this with you and ensure your friend has a bowl of water.
STROBE LIGHTING
Occasionally, strobe lighting, lighting that produces stroboscopic effects, smoke machines and other theatrical effects may be used during shows in our venue. If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch. If any such effects are due to be used, we will endeavour to put signage up at the venue box office.
HOW TO BOOK TICKETS
Tickets can be booked online via our website, in-person at our box office Wednesday-Friday 10-2, or by calling the box office on 01449774678. If you purchase tickets online, you will receive an E-mail with a QR code which will gain you entry to the venue on the night. If you are having trouble finding the QR code, have your transaction number at the ready as you enter the venue for the event.
If you have any access requirements at all, please get in touch with us by telephone 01449 774678, or by emailing our Access Manager bobby@johnpeelcentre.co.uk, or if you prefer, by using the contact form on our website.
Further accessible formats (Large Print, Easy Read, and audio) are available on request. This is a newly designed website and we are aware that there may be areas where the content is not fully accessible to you, however, in order for us to improve, we would welcome your feedback. Please report any website accessibility issues to isobel@johnpeelcentre.co.uk or call us on 01449 774678.
