Accessible Britain

Designed by Sir Norman Foster, the remarkable Sage Gateshead sits high above the
River Tyne, like a great soap bubble of steel and glass. Built to be the northeast’s premier
concert venue, it hosts music events from classical to rock, from brass to jazz and folk
to soukous.
The now iconic outer shell houses three major spaces. Sage One is a 1700-seater,
state-of-the-art concert hall with extraordinarily good acoustics, capable of showcasing
the Royal Northern Sinfonia and a solo artist equally well. Sage Two is smaller and
more experimental – a ten-sided space with many moveable seats where the stage
can be reconfigured and even transformed into a dancefloor. The third venue, the
Northern Rock Foundation Hall, is a rehearsal and participation space. Sage Gateshead
is a wonderful place to attend a performance – its lively programme appeals to all age
groups, and the atmosphere is always great.
There’s Blue Badge parking right outside the front door and lots of designated
disabled spaces around the outside. All of them lead to simple, level access to the
building. The whole structure is open and uncluttered, with the option of using steps
or multiple lifts to the upper spaces. Whether it’s with toilet changing areas (plenty
of accessible toilets on every level), loops, venue audibility, ease of movement from
one point to another, or low surfaces in retail areas, the building’s designers have
clearly given access issues careful consideration. It’s a very welcoming space, too, with
positive, well-informed staff. A thoroughly comprehensive access guide is available
online or from the venue. The only minor criticism is that the coordinated design
results in some dark areas and occasionally poor colour contrast that won’t be helpful
for visually impaired visitors.
FOOD & DRINK aa Outside the auditoria, there’s a very large public concourse that houses
the Sir Michael Straker Café, a separate brasserie, several bars, chill-out areas and shops:
sit down with a coffee or a beer and enjoy the brilliant view.
Sage Gateshead
THE NORTHEAST AND YORKSHIRE
135