Accessibility
Access Starts Online | Venue Access Information Guide
1. Introduction
As venue owners Leeds City Council aims to provide an accessible and inclusive facility for all events taking place on Millennium Square.
Millennium Square is working with the Attitude is Everything Charter of Best Practice to continually improve venue access for customers and performers at live music events.
2. Contact Details
For all event specific enquires please email events@leeds.gov.uk or call 0113 378 6988.
For all general accessibility enquiries please contact:
Bairbre McKendrick
Access Officer
Leeds City Council
Merrion House
Leeds
LS2 8LX
Email: Bairbre.mckendrick@leeds.gov.uk
Telephone: 0113 535 1156
All enquiries will be responded to within 5 working days.
3. Download Link
A printable word file of all accessibility information is available to download at the bottom of this page. Large print and Easy Read formats can also be provided on request.
4. Venue Description
4.1 Millennium Square (Leeds, LS2 3AD)
Millennium Square is a city centre outdoor public space built as a hardstanding paved area which follows the natural topography of the surrounding ground levels and slopes down from North to South. The venue is easily accessible from all sides with level / sloped access.
The venue plays host to a busy and wide-ranging programme of live music concerts and other events and cultural activities staged throughout the year. During events where the venue public toilets are in use, accessible toilets are available via a sloped / ramped approach.
4.2 Ticket Office – Leeds Ticket Hub
Leeds Ticket Hub
The Carriageworks Theatre,
The Electric Press,
3 Millennium Square
Leeds
LS2 3AD
Email: tickets@leeds.gov.uk
Telephone: 0113 376 0318
Leeds Ticket Hub is Leeds City Council’s dedicated in-house ticketing operation.
The event ticket office is located in the Carriageworks Theatre which is accessed directly from Millennium Square and offers flat level ground floor access.
Although the ticket office does not have a lowered counter, staff are available to assist disabled customers from an accessible location outside the ticket office and can provide support to meet individual access requirements.
The ticket office will be open two hours before the advertised doors time on the day of the event only. Telephone lines are open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm.
5. Bookable Access Facilities and How To Apply
5.1 Leeds Ticket Hub Access Scheme
Leeds Ticket Hub Access Scheme exists to enable all persons to attend and enjoy events held at Leeds City Council venues equally and safely.
The scheme offers members access to Accessible Viewing Platform tickets as well as the opportunity to obtain one additional ticket, free of charge, for their companion.
Customers will be required to sign up to the council’s Access Scheme to access these tickets. Contact the ticketing team at tickets@leeds.gov.uk to request a registration form and sign up.
Please note that access platform tickets cannot be booked in advance for temporary impairments, such as pregnancy or broken limbs. If capacity allows, customers with temporary impairments may be offered access to the platform on the day, subject to availability and at the discretion of venue staff; however, this cannot be guaranteed
5.2 Accessible Viewing Area
For live music concerts and other similar events, a designated Accessible Viewing Platform will be provided directly in front of the Civic Hall building and provide the following:
- An all-seated raised viewing platform (chairs provided)
- Clear view of the stage
- Accessible toilet provision
- Changing Places Toilet Unit
- Induction Loop
- Bar waiting staff service (and / or other reasonable adjustments)
5.3. How to Apply
5.3.1 Accessible Viewing Platform
For live music concerts and / or other similar events, tickets for the Accessible Viewing Platform will be available to purchase in advance by calling Leeds Ticket Hub on 0113 376 0318 or via email at tickets@leeds.gov.uk.
Customers will be required to sign up to the council’s Leeds Ticket Hub Access Scheme via an online form to access these tickets.
In the event of a pre-sale with other ticketing agents, accessible and companion tickets will be available to purchase through Leeds Ticket Hub on 0113 376 0318.
Please note that due to available space allowances and to ensure equal access and comfort for all persons attending, all bookings will be on a 1 + 1 (disabled person and companion) and first-come first served basis, subject to capacity.
For any events where the accessible platform is not sold out in advance, access will be provided on the day for any disabled customers with General Admission tickets on a strictly first-come first-served basis subject to capacity.
5.3.2 Essential Companions
Customers who require a complimentary companion ticket will be required to sign up to the council’s Access Scheme via an online form to access these tickets.
The role of an Essential Companion is to:
- Providing physical assistance: Helping the access customer with mobility, such as navigating the space, transferring from one place to another, or assisting with seating.
- Communication support: Assisting with communication, such as BSL interpreting, reading and translating information, or conveying messages to staff.
- Personal care: Aiding with personal care tasks such as using the restroom, eating, or administering medication as required.
- Ensuring safety: Ensuring the safety and well-being of the access customer, including during emergencies or evacuations.
- Accessing facilities: Assisting in accessing event facilities such as accessible campsites, viewing platforms or designated seating areas.
- Facilitating enjoyment: Helping the access customer to participate in and enjoy the event to the fullest extent possible.
- Companions have to be aged 14+
Please note that due to available space allowances and to ensure equal access and comfort for all persons attending, all bookings will be on a 1 + 1 (disabled person and companion) and first-come first served basis, subject to capacity.
5.3.3 General Admission Tickets
For all ticketed concerts, General Admission tickets will be available to purchase in advance online or from Leeds Ticket Hub either in person or by telephone on 0113 376 0318.
For fully seated concerts where reserved seating is available, we do advise that persons who will be using mobility scooters or large (and high) powered wheelchairs on the day, or people who wish to be seated close to disabled persons toilets, book seats on the Accessible Viewing Platform to ensure everyone can enjoy a good view of the performance.
General Admission tickets for specific events may also be available to purchase directly from the concert promoter and / or other officially appointed ticketing agencies as advertised.
6. Travel Guide
6.1 Accessible Parking
Nearby on street designated Blue Badge parking (4-hour time limit, no return within 1 hour) is available on:
- Percival Street (to the South East side of the Square) accessible until 5pm on concert days
- Alexander Street (to the South side of the Square)
- Calverley Street (to the West side of the Square)
- St Anne’s Street (to the South side of the Square)
Woodhouse Lane multi-storey car park also provides non-time limited designated accessible parking on Levels 1 and 7 which is free for blue badge holders.
Further information on city centre parking is available at on the Leeds City Council website or call parking services on 0113 395 0050.
6.2 Taxi / drop-off location
There are several drop-off areas around the venue with the nearest accessible locations to the entrance gates on Portland Gate (Gate A and B) and Great George Street (Gate C). For live music concerts the Portland Crescent entrance (Gate A) is the closest to the accessible viewing area.
7. Arrival Guide
7.1 Venue opening times
On a day-to-day basis Millennium Square is a city centre outdoor public space which is open and accessible 24hrs a day.
Opening times for specific events will be as advertised on the website.
7.2 Arriving at the venue
As an outdoor public space, Millennium Square is easily accessible from all sides via Portland Crescent, Cookridge Street (North and South), Great George Street or Calverley Street with level / sloped access provided at each of these points.
When events are being held in the square however, please note that exact entrance and exit arrangements may vary depending upon the site design and infrastructure requirements of each event. For further details on a specific event please contact the council’s events team as per section 2 above.
For live music concerts the event arena is easily accessible with sloped access provided at each of the main entrance gates on Cookridge Street (Gates B & C) and Portland Crescent (Gate A). The Portland Crescent entrance (Gate A) is the closest to the accessible viewing area.
Trained security stewards and / or dedicated event access stewards will be positioned at all main entrances and whom will be able to direct you and assist with any queries or concerns.
7.3 Ticket and access accreditation collection
For concerts, the event ticket office will open two hours before the advertised doors time for on-the-day ticket purchases, ticket collections and pre-arranged accreditation collection. Please note that opening times may vary for other events and will be communicated on the relevant event page.
For any queries in advance, please contact Leeds Ticket Hub by email tickets@leeds.gov.uk or by telephone on 0113 376 0318.
8. Toilets
8.1 Accessible Toilets
The venue’s in-house toilet facilities located at the northeast corner of the venue provides two disabled person’s toilets with a choice of right and left-handed transfer. Both are accessed by RADAR locks and via an accessible ramped approach.
For live music events an additional portable accessible toilet will be provided adjacent to the AVA.
8.2 Changing Places Toilet Unit
Where reasonably practicable, a Leeds City Council owned Changing Places unit will be provided for all events. This unit includes a tacking hoist (please contact the council’s event team for more information on hoist type if required as slings will not be provided), height adjustable changing bench, peninsular layout toilet and a height adjustable wash basin. This will be accessible by a RADAR lock (a key will be available on site if you do not have one).
For all live music events the Mobile Changing places toilet will be provided adjacent to the Accessible Viewing Platform.
9. Customers with Medical Requirements
Any persons who require to bring medicines, food, or drink to manage a medical condition or medical equipment will be welcome to attend all events staged at the venue. Please note, however, that glass or cans are prohibited items, so wherever possible, alternative receptacles should be used.
For live music concerts and / or other large-scale events, please note that discretional security searching of clothing, bags and other items is a condition of entry to protect everyone’s safety. To avoid any misunderstandings in this respect, please make the gate stewards aware of what medicine, food or drink you require to have with you upon arrival.
All persons attending an event are requested to make themselves aware of the standard venue terms and conditions prior to arrival at the venue. Should you have any specific queries or concerns please contact the council’s events team as section 2 above.
10.Access to Performance
10.1 Induction Loop
For live music events an Ampetronic induction / hearing loop will be provided and accessible within a 2m radius of the Accessible Viewing Platform. For more information, please contact the council’s events team as section 2 above.
10.2 British Sign Language (BSL)
For live music events a BSL performance interpreter is available where specifically requested. For more information, please contact the council’s events team as section 2 above.
10.3 Hearing Protection
Disposable earplugs are available free of charge on request. Please speak to a member of staff during your visit if you require a pair.
11.Assistance Dogs
Only Registered Assistance Dogs will be permitted into the concert arena. You may be required to produce your laminated Registered Assistance Dog photo ID card.
What is an Assistance Dog?
Assistance dogs are not pets. They are an aid to provide additional support or assistance to a disabled person.
Assistance dogs are also trained to help people with hearing difficulties, epilepsy, diabetes, physical mobility problems and more. Assistance dogs carry out a variety of practical tasks for people as well as supporting their independence and confidence.
Emotional support animals (ESAs) are not defined in the Equality Act 2010.
Most assistance dogs are likely to be highly trained. This means that they are:
- likely to sit or lie quietly on the floor next to their owner
- unlikely to wander freely around the premises
- unlikely to foul in a public place
Find out more about assistance dogs.
12.Strobe Lighting
Wherever practicably possible, Leeds City Council are committed to implementing a strobe-free policy at our events.
For live music concerts however, where strobe lighting is required by artist / promoters as part of the show, information and warning notices will included in the venue terms and conditions and displayed on all event entrances.
If you would like to request further details as to whether specific strobe effects may be used during a particular event, please contact the events team as section 2 above.
