Arriving at the venue
The Business Design Centre has an underground car park with 8 dedicated blue badge holder bays on level C. Access to the forecourt and street level is through the passenger lift but there is also a pedestrian staircase (17 steps from level C to forecourt/street level).
The route from the car park to the building is clearly marked inside and outside the lift – the surface is firm and even and the route is adequately lit in the hours of darkness.
When accessing the building from street level, there are two staircases (5 steps and 12 steps) or a ramp on the forecourt. All steps and the ramp are supported by handrails.
For dropping off in vehicles, we should be able to give access onto the forecourt through the security point. Please contact the BDC's front of house team in order to confirm that this will be possible during the show: 0207 288 6475.
The nearest step-free station is Kings Cross and St Pancras International which is a short distance by bus or taxi. This is served by National Rail, the Eurostar and most major tube lines. For more information on this, please visit the TfL website.
Inside the venue
All reception desks fitted at the venue have DDA compliant registration points available to all wheelchair users.
Corridors and gangways are well lit and internal staircases are also supported by handrails. All levels are accessible by passenger lifts, both in the main reception and in the Gallery Hall. The lifts are complete with low reach buttons with braille; they are also fitted with distress alarms and back mirrors to assist with access and egress of wheelchair users.
All conference rooms are either completely set with unfixed seating or have sections where we can accommodate spaces for wheelchair users.
Manual wheelchair hire
A limited number of wheelchairs are available on loan for use within the venue. These can be booked in advance by calling the concierge team (0207 288 6475), so that when you arrive at the venue this will be ready for you upon proof of identification.
Toilet facilities
We have an accessible toilet on each level of the building. They can be accessed by use of a RADAR key (a spare key is kept in reception). The RADAR Key Scheme or National Key Scheme (NKS) offers those who require it, independent access to locked public toilets. If you don’t have a key then please contact our concierge team upon your arrival or by phone: 0207 288 6475.
The Ground Floor toilet is located in stairwell B; this is not currently fitted with a Radar Key. On the Mezzanine Level the toilet is also in stairwell B, and on the top floor on the Gallery Level you will find a toilet situated on the opposite side in stairwell F. All toilets are fitted with low reach door handles, and an emergency pull cord alarm.
Emergency evacuations
In the unlikely event of a fire or any other emergency, the fire alarms will be activated. Fire alarms are fitted with audible and visual signals to help visitors with hearing impairments. The venue fire marshals will assist visitors to evacuate the building. The venue also has two onsite Evac chairs to assist wheelchair users to reach the ground floor in the event of a fire.
There are emergency red phones around the venue at the entrance to every stairwell on each floor for visitors to reach reception during emergencies.
If you require additional assistance in the event of an emergency please let the venue know and they will ensure that they support you in safely leaving the venue with a personal evacuation plan.
Guide dogs
The Business Design Centre and Nursery World Show team welcome guide dogs and are happy to make provisions to ensure that they are as comfortable on site as their owners. No other dogs or pets are permitted in the venue.
Hearing loop
Hearing loop accessibility will be available in all conference rooms on request. Please contact us to ensure that this will be made available to you.
If you have any further queries regarding accessibility at the venue then please get in touch with either the Business Design Centre team or the Nursery World's Big Day Out team and we will be happy to assist.
