• Library
• Concert Hall
• Theatre
• Civic Hall
• Rehearsal studio & spaces
• Visual arts exhibition space
• Public art
• The Willoughby WurliTzer organ
• Outdoor amphitheatre and public open space
• Car parking
• Retail space
• Serviced apartments
• Functional excellence
  • Ecological sustainability
  • Accessibility

Accessibility

Civic Place – safe and accessible for all to enjoy

"The arts enrich our lives in diverse ways as spectators, amateurs or professionals. Everyone has a need for self-expression. People with disabilities are no exception …."
- Accessible Arts

Visit the Accessible Arts website.

Willoughby City Council is committed to creating truly accessible facilities that not only address the physical barriers for people using the facilities but also address the policy, management and communication barriers that face many. Civic Place is the realisation of a vision by Willoughby City Council to create venues of exceptional quality and functional excellence that are accessible to all. It has been designed to exceed Australian standards at every level.

Facts

One in six Australians lives with either a physical, intellectual, sensory or mental disability. Willoughby local government area alone has more than 5600 people with a disability. The figure will increase as our population ages.

Catering for the growing number of people with disabilities is not just replacing steps with ramps and having wheelchair accessible seating. It means ensuring all patrons and performers, regardless of their specific needs, are not disadvantaged in the use of any facility.

Truly accessible – in design, programming, pricing and attitude

The award-winning architects from fjmt have embraced the challenge to create a diverse range of spaces and facilities for everyone. The result is a true heart and soul for our community – where regardless of age or ability, all will feel safe and comfortable – a place of inclusion and welcome.

Design for Physical Accessibility

The new performance spaces, the concert hall, theatre, rehearsal room and library in particular, address the current constraints on people with disabilities. Performers who need easier access will now be able to showcase their talents, and library patrons will be able to access all segments of the collection. Patrons with disabilities and their carers will have the option of a number of wheelchair accessible seating positions within the concert hall and theatre.

Detailed planning has gone into every aspect, from the provision of a choice of wheelchair accessible seating for patrons and discounted seating for their carers to wheelchair access to the stage and backstage facilities for performers and patrons alike.

Read an article from ParaQuad, the Paraplegic and Quadriplegic Association of NSW about the accessible features of Civic Place.  ParaQuad News November 2007 Civic Place article - 237 KB

Visual and hearing impairment

Provision has been made for an interpreter’s room for visually impaired patrons, programs in larger print, clear signage, audio equipment for the hearing impaired, street access to all areas and well positioned rest places throughout.

When Civic Place opens in 2011, it will ensure that all members of our diverse North Shore community enjoy the wonderful benefits that Civic Place will bring to the region. Willoughby Council believes you too will be inspired to ensure every member of this unique community is given equal opportunity to fully enjoy the wonderful attributes our area has to offer.

Summary of access initiatives

• Wheelchair access at every principle entry point into the development rather than just one as required by the Building Code of Australia (BCA).
• Convenient lift access from accessible parking bays including 4% of wide bay accessible spaces, which exceeds the 0.5% minimum of the BCA.
• All public stairways to be designed in accordance with Australian Standard - AS1428.1, which exceeds the BCA minimum criteria.
• Wider doors and door circulation space for easier access in Front of House and Back of House areas.
• Direct wheelchair access from the street to the theatre stalls and on to the theatre stage.
• Accessible toilets adjacent each group of male and female toilets, including back of stage areas. Toilet cubicles in other gender specific toilets to include features for people with ambulant physical disability.
• Lift access to all public levels and back of stage areas to enable full participation for people with disabilities, including employment opportunities.
• Places of Refuge within fire isolated exits with communication systems.
• FM assistive listening systems to cover the concert hall and adjoining bar areas to facilitate a seamless communication access for people with hearing impairment.
• Changes in floor surface texture to signal changes in levels to assist people with vision impairment.
• Clear external signage and guide maps, appropriate light levels to assist people with vision impairment.
• Video screen monitors throughout the foyers of the building to assist in way-finding and performance messages.
• Accessible furniture and equipment selection including wheelchair accessible counters at the box office, bar and library for both customers and potential staff.
• Sign interpretation for the theatre, audio descriptions for sight impaired.
• Pre and/or post theatre and concert experiences for hearing and sight impaired patrons and special needs schools to explain the show, feel the sets and costumes.
• Scripts and programs simplified, in large print and in plain English.
• Scripts and librettos available for loan beforehand. Areas of access built into ticket prices, including carer’s ticketing.
• Advertising of services, programs, information for patrons with disabilities. Hire and service agreements drafted to ensure access policy implementation.