NEC – Accessibility: Halls 1 - 5

Here you will find detailed information on accessibility to The NEC Piazza (Halls 1 - 5) including details of disabled car parks and the entrances to specific halls

Disabled Car Parking

For locations of disabled car parks, please click on the following link:

> View Map

Car park facilities can change depending upon the event and are available on a first come first serve basis.

Please phone 0121 780 4141 in advance for further information and to check whether there is a drop off point available near to the entrance.

Disabled Car Park (labelled ‘B’ on map)

  • There are 42 designated parking bays within the disabled car park.
  • The dimensions of the designated parking bays are 4m x 5.2m (13ft 1 in x 17ft).
  • The nearest designated bay is 150m from the main entrance.
  • The route to the main entrance is substantially level, via a pedestrian crossing (typically manned), no assistance is required unless you cannot make the distance.
  • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.

As you enter the parking areas, there is a barrier requiring an access code, which is available from Gate 1.

Outside Exhibition Area (labelled ‘C’ on map)

  • Additional accessible car parking is available in the OEA car park.
  • This is located next to the Disabled Car Park.
  • This car park is 270m from the main entrance.
  • There are 131 dual lined spaces.

Parking Bays (labelled ‘E’ on map)

  • There are 13 designated parking bays which are located adjacent to the entrance and are the closest parking bays to the venue.
  • The dimensions of the parking bays are 4.5m x 4.5m (14ft 9in x 14ft x 9in).
  • The nearest designated bay is 100m from the main entrance.
  • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • The car park does not have a height barrier.
  • These bays are available dependant on site activity, due to health and safety reasons.

The staff car park is used for disabled car parking on occasions, and is labelled ‘D’ on the map. This is dependant on site activity.

Access to the venue from Birmingham International Station and Airport

  • Access to The NEC is via a main set of double doors. These doors are heavy, but are normally open.
  • There is a covered walkway, known as the Bridgelink, which is 180 meters long, from the edge of the rail station to The Piazza.
  • Access from the station to The NEC is substantially level.
  • There is a ramp/slope leading to the lift and steps.
  • There are 42 steps, an escalator or a lift between the two sets of doors. These are located at the end of the walkway.
  • There is a second set of doors, which open automatically and are double in width.

Piazza Main Entrance

For locations of accessible toilets and lifts, please click on the following link:

> View Map

As you enter the Piazza main entrance, this gives you access to level 1.

  • Hall 1 and 5 are on Piazza level 1.
  • Hall 2, 3, 3a and 4 are on Piazza level 2.

To access Piazza level 2 you can use the lift between Hall 5 and Toute Suite. The lift is 22 meters from the accessible entrance.

In addition to the lifts, there are also 20 steps, which have handrails on both sides going up and down.

Access from the Piazza to the Atrium via the Skywalk

  • The skywalk is accessed by 42 steps, an escalator or a standard lift.
  • The lift is located opposite Hall 4 entrance.
  • An additional 26 man lift has been installed between Martin's Newsagents and Nat West Bank, as an alternative to the smaller lift opposite Hall 4.
  • The skywalk is 376 meters long and there is a travelator running the length of it.

Locations and information on accessible toilets (see map)

There are 4 accessible unisex toilets within the Piazza area.
These are located at:

  • 1 unisex toilet by Hall 1 main entrance – Right hand lateral transfer
  • 2 unisex toilets by Hall 4 main entrance –Left and Right hand lateral transfer
  • 2 unisex toilets by Hall 3 main entrance – Left hand lateral transfer

The toilets are for the sole use of a disabled people.

  • These toilets do not require a key.
  • The doors on the toilets open outwards and lock via a twist lock.
  • There is a functional emergency alarm available.
  • The lateral transfer space is between 80cm – 100cm.
  • Wall mounted rails are available. As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides, expect for the toilets by Hall 3 where they are only on the left.

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