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Accessibility


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


Read our Digital brochure


Listen to our Audio brochure


LOCATION ADDRESS & CONTACT DETAILS
John Peel Centre for Creative Arts, Church Walk,
Stowmarket, Suffolk, IP14 1ET


Telephone: 01448 774678

Email Access Manager 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.


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


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 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.


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. 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.



HOW TO BOOK TICKETS

Tickets can be booked online via our website 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.