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6.11 Seating for wheelchair users in cinemas, theatres and stadia

Either 6 spaces or 1% of the total seats, whichever is greater, should be allocated for wheelchair users.

Spaces should not all be in one area, and should be grouped in pairs so that wheelchair users can sit next to companions, disabled or non-disabled, on either side. A minimum area of 900mm x 1400mm should be allocated per wheelchair user. The space should be easy to manoeuvre into and out of. The spaces must be level and positioned so as to give a clear view of the screen/event, e.g. near the centre of accessible/entrance level rows, bearing in mind that some wheelchair users have a limited range of head movement.

The spaces provided should be in full-time use, but can be made by the removal of fixed seating at some venues.

Plan of wheelchair spaces in cinemas and theatres

Plan showing the layout of seats in a cinema or theatre. A rectangular shaped room with two exits at the back and one exit towards the front of each of the side walls. Seven rows of seats are shown with aisles at either side and one through the rows in the centre. Wheelchair accessible spaces are shown as squares with a cross in them. Two wheelchair spaces are shown on the front row next to each other, with one fixed seat between them and the centre aisle. Six wheelchair spaces are shown on the back row. On one side of the back row are two wheelchair spaces next to each other shown in the centre of the row. On the other side of the back row two wheelchair accessible spaces are shown in the centre of the row and directly the exit on the back wall. The other two wheelchair spaces on this back row are placed near to the centre aisle, separated from the centre aisle by one seat that would be suitable for a non-wheelchair user companion.

Plan and section of wheelchair spaces in stadia

Plan showing terraced seating in stadium with the row off the walkway having an extended element so that it forms a balcony on the terrace below. The area has a depth of 1400mm minimum and an entrance in to this area 900mm wide minimum . The section shown next to the plan shows a wheelchair user overlooking a seated person on the terrace below.

Seating on travel routes and at waiting areas, Standard seat, Perch seat, Seating in bars, cafes and restaurants

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