A new, accessible chapter for Hyde Park Picture House
At the Hyde Park Picture House, we’re getting very excited for reopening soon and we wanted to let you know about how we have changed for the better.
We strongly believe in the importance of cultural institutions being accessible and that we should always be looking at ways to remove barriers. Even though our Edwardian building presented challenges, thanks to the expertise of specialists like Page\Park architects, and major funders like the National Lottery Heritage Fund, we are proud that the Picture House is finally becoming a welcoming space for everyone.
The first stage in making our heritage building more accessible was to ensure everyone could use our main entrance. Previously, wheelchair users and those unable to use steps had no choice but to enter the building via a separate fire escape further down Brudenell Road. This was an undignified experience and something that simply had to change.
We’re delighted to now have a new ramped entrance which provides level access to the building and connects us more with our surrounding area. The seating which borders the ramp provides a space in front of the cinema for people to gather, meet, sit and wait for friends as they arrive.
Something people have always liked about the Picture House is how cosy we are, the ‘cosiest in Leeds’, in fact, was how we were advertised in the Yorkshire Evening Post when we opened in 1914. However, this same cosiness also meant a lack of space to move around the building – particularly for wheelchair users. Our engineers at Buro Happold and our architects have extended our foyer by moving the back wall further into the main auditorium behind. This created space for a much needed accessible toilet, with baby changing facilities, and an improved kiosk where you’ll find an improved selection of local drinks and snacks, as well as an accessible lower section of the counter.
We can’t wait to welcome people into our new cinema spaces. We have a new Café Bar on the ground floor, a Community Room and a second screen. Each of these spaces are wheelchair accessible thanks to a new platform lift which can take visitors to every level of our new extension. The unknown – and not knowing what to expect from a building – can be a barrier in itself to some people. So, we have put together an access guide which contains all the details of our building so that people know what to expect before arriving.
You will be able to find this on our new website when it launches in a few weeks. Keep an eye on our social media for details about our new website and launch events.