The Lowry Building is a comprehensive art and entertainment venue in Salford Quays, Greater Manchester. The Lowry houses two main theatres and studio space for performing arts (The Lyric 1,730, The Quays 466 and The Studio 180 seats respectively). It brings visual and performing arts – from opera to stand up comedy – together in one stunningly designed building. The building, designed by Michael Wilford, is Manchester’s answer to the Guggenheim and is worth a visit in its own right.
As you’d probably expect from a public building which opened in 2000, The Lowry is pretty accessible with an open ramped route which connects the theatre foyers and gallery spaces. The building has lifts for areas with stairs (which occur more frequently than the open ramped route would suggest), accessible toilets and baby-changing facilities. All floors are accessible by wheelchair and wheelchairs are available on request. They “recommend that Blue Badge holders enter the car park at the entrance near the mini roundabout on the road leading from The Quays as this will allow parking on the ground floor level”.
Each season some performances are sign language interpreted and some are captioned for those that may not be able to hear everything that is happening on the stage. They also have a digital hearing aid enhancement system inside the theatre and a hearing loop throughout the building.
Some performances are audio described for those that may not be able to see everything that is happening on the stage. Audio Described performances often have a touch tour 1 hour before the performance, booked through The Lowry Box Office. They also offer large print brochures and an online audio brochure.
The Lowry Building does a good job of being accessible for the less able and gets a provisional 2.5 BBS Ticks.
