It’s a sad truth that London can be a difficult city to get around, especially if you have specific access requirements. Fortunately as events spaces develop and get refurbished, many of them are able to improve their accessibility. When you’re organising a conference or large event, it’s really important to make sure you can welcome as many guests as you can, so we’ve put together some amazing conference spaces with great accessibility:
Location: Deptford
Capacity: 1000 standing, 300 seated
Check it out here: The Albany
The Albany’s studios, cafe and theatre are all on the ground floor, as well as some of their meeting rooms. There’s lift access to the first floor, and nearby Deptford station also has lift access. Assistance dogs are welcome in the building, and there is an induction loop at the Box Office and in the reception area.
Location: Barbican
Capacity: 1949 standing, 1949 seated
Check it out here: The Barbican
The Barbican is an excellent example of how to provide accessible spaces. They’ve got accessibility guides for each area of the venue, with details on varied wheelchair access, assistance dogs, amplified sound, sign language provisions, captioned performances and audio-described performances. The Barbican were awarded Silver Level in the Attitude is Everything Charter of Best Practice which seeks to improve deaf and disabled access to live music.
Location: Alexandra Palace
Capacity: 10000 standing, 7000 seated
Check it out here: Alexandra Palace
Alexandra Palace has step free access throughout the venue, as well as a number of disabled parking spaces and disabled loos. They have a number of wheelchairs available for visitors, and a hearing loop in the reception area. Assistance dogs are welcome depending on the event.
Location: Victoria Station
Capacity: 700 standing, 480 seated
Check it out here: Royal Horticultural Halls
The Lindley Hall is a stunning venue close to Victoria station. It’s ideal for corporate parties and receptions as well as conferences, tech events and awards ceremonies. Royal Horticultural Halls is fully wheelchair accessible, and has an access lift as well as a disabled bathroom.
Location: Battersea
Capacity: 600 standing, 160 seated
Check it out here: Battersea Arts Centre
Battersea Arts Centre works hard to make sure they’re an accessible venue, but as they’re currently undergoing some serious maintenance some of their spaces are affected. There is step free access to Scratch Bar, Bee’s Knees and the ground floor public spaces, but unfortunately their access lift is currently out of action. The box office has a portable induction loop for use throughout the building, and there is a permanent loop in the Council Chamber space. Assistance dogs are welcome throughout the building.