Lack of step-free access

UPDATE: Mar 2024

Phase One: coming up with a plan

Since we opened we've always been conscious of our lack of step-free access, and since 2020 we've been actively working to add an external lift to resolve this.
The first stage was to work with the other stakeholders to agree a workable plan. This was completed in October 2023.

Phase Two: getting planning permission

We submitted planning permission in December 2023.
In March 2024 Hackney Council planning department turned down our application.

This means we need to undertake an appeal, and we'd love your help:
Do you know anyone who can support us with our appeal?

Maybe you’re a local with expertise in this kind of planning permission?
Maybe you know someone at a disability advocacy charity who can support us?
Or maybe you know something or someone else that can help us express the importance of this lift.

We've put a huge amount of energy into this, and we’re a small team with limited resources, so we'd be really grateful to anyone who can help move this forward productively...

Drop us an email to access@thecastlecinema.com.

Accessibility

At the Castle Cinema, we welcome all film lovers and want our venue to be accessible to as many people as possible. Feel free to read the latest version of our Access Statement. And have a look at our Photo Social Story as well as a 3D tour of the cinema ahead of your visit.

Fat Friendly Seat

The cinema is located on the first floor via a staircase 1.28m wide, with 15 steps then a small landing and a further 6 steps to the first floor, where is located the bar, box office and the accessible toilet. There is an accessible toilet, which opens inwards, on the right-hand side before entering the bar.

Screen 1: There is level access from the bar to the cinema. One model, free standing, armrest unmovable. Chair: width 44 cm, 70 cm with armrest; depth 47 cm. Seat 38 cm from the floor; ear 55 cm; space between row 45 cm; space between the screen and the first row 175 cm

Screen 2: is accessible via a staircase of 7 steps onto a landing, and a further single step into the corridor. Two models, tied to other seats. Sofa: width 90 cm, 107 cm with armrest; depth minimum 48 cm maximum 50 cm; armrest unmovable. Seat 48 cm from the floor; ear 69 cm; space between row minimum 30 cm, maximum 60 cm. The Sofa model seats are allocated next to the door, the two last rows of the room. Chair: width 40 cm, 62 cm with armrest, depth 47 cm, armrest unmovable. Seat 38 cm from the floor; ear 69 cm; space between row minim 30 cm, maximum 60 cm; space between the screen and the first row 77 cm

Book a fat friendly seat
In screen 1, it is possible to swap a seat from the first row in screen 1 for one of our bar seats. White chair: width 56 cm, 70 cm with armrest; depth 50 cm; armrest unmovable. Seat 41 cm from the floor; ear 48 cm. To book this option, please email hello@thecastlecinema.com or call this cinema landline: 020 8986 6449
To book a single person sofa in screen 2, please email hello@thecastlecinema.com or call the cinema landline: 020 8986 6449
If you have booked a Fat Friendly Seat and you can no longer attend, please let us know if you can so we can offer this space to another customer.

Pictures seats

Audio Described screenings

Wherever possible we play films with the audio description soundtrack. These films can be recognised by the [AD] image beside the film title.
A film with an audio description soundtrack means that we can supply you with headphones for the duration of the film which will relay a special soundtrack with a full description of events happening on screen.
This means that anyone with visual impairment or other needs can fully enjoy the film.
An audio description soundtrack has no effect whatsoever on anyone without the headphones; it's just like a regular film.

Amplified Audio screenings

Wherever possible, we play films with the Amplified Audio soundtrack. These films are listed below and can be recognised by the [AA] image beside the film title.
A film with an amplified audio soundtrack is specifically intended for people with hearing impairment. It means that we can supply you with headphones for the duration of the film, and you can turn up the volume as much as you need.
An amplified audio soundtrack has no effect whatsoever on anyone without the headphones.

Relaxed screenings

These offer a chance to see films in a relaxed environment and are open to everyone to attend, but are especially tailored for those with autism or others with sensory needs, as well as their friends, family and carers.
Relaxed screenings are scheduled every second Sunday of the month.

What’s different about these screenings?
The sound is lower than usual (we also have ear defenders available), and the lights are kept on low. It’s ok to move around or walk out of the screen if you need a break, and it’s ok to make noise if you need.
Our staff have all received Dimensions UK training, and we’ll make sure it’s a friendly, welcoming and safe environment.

P&B screenings

A chance for parents and carers with babies under a year old to see the best new films.
The cafe is open from 10:00, and the trailers start at 11:00. The sound is turned down a little, and the lights keep up a little. We'll also help you upstairs with your buggy!
Please note that due to the need to keep our fire exits accessible, buggies are parked in the bar, where we have staff and CCTV, while the film is on.
Only adults accompanied by babies will be admitted.

HOH screenings

HOH subtitles, or ‘closed captioning’, refers to subtitles specifically intended for people who are Deaf or hard of hearing. They are a transcription rather than a translation, so as well as reproducing dialogue in films, aim to describe every additional non-dialogue sound available to a hearing audience, e.g. “(sighs)” or “(door creaks)” and song lyrics. These subtitles are hard-coded onto the screen.
All guests are welcome to purchase tickets to these screenings and in our experience, many hearing guests at these performances do not find the subtitles to be distracting.