Making events accessible for all
Guidance on helping organisers plan
Events everyone can attend
We want all our visitors to enjoy their time at Central Hall Westminster and feel welcome, so we aim to make facilities available to all.
Venue access and entrances
The main entrance is located on Storey’s Gate side, and the disabled entrance is to the left of the main double doors. There is a sign at the entrance to direct you. To the left of the main double doors, there is a smaller set of double doors (with no stairs) for easy access.
Room layout and seating options
We have 25 versatile rooms and spaces over four floors. All of our spaces accommodate flexible numbers and can be set up in a range of styles according to your needs. We have a number of syndicate rooms on each floor, which can be booked individually or in conjunction with another room.
Audio visual accessibility
We have heavily invested in event technology to ensure we can support all your AV accessibility requirements. The Great Hall is equipped with built-in induction loops and hearing assistance, and we also have the capacity to install accessible systems in various other rooms on request.
Catering and dietary requirements
Our in-house catering partner Green & Fortune can cater for special dietary requirements, including vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free, and even create bespoke dishes and menus just for your guests. Our dedicated team of chefs prepare high-quality dishes using the freshest seasonal ingredients, with minimal impact on the environment.
Detailed accessibility guide
Choosing the right space layout
Our Grade II* listed building offers 25 flexible spaces across four floors, available in a range of styles to accommodate your event requirements. Our largest space is the Great Hall, featuring an impressive domed ceiling, adaptable stage, and expansive capacity for 2,000+ guests. The Lecture Hall and Library can be combined for events of up to 1,000 guests and feature triple-height ceilings, natural light, and a large stage. They can also be hired individually, with a capacity of up to 500 people each.
We have four mid-size spaces spread across two floors: George Thomas and Robert Perks on Level One, and Donald English and William Sangster on Level Two. There are four smaller spaces available for varying capacities: The President’s Room, Maurice Bennett, John Tudor, and Dinsdale Young. On each floor, you’ll also find a number of syndicate rooms which can be booked individually or alongside another space. Our experienced events team are available to help with every aspect of your event and will work with you to find a space best-suited to your event.
Accessing our function rooms easily
There are two passenger lifts that go to LG, G, Level One, Level Three and Level Four. They can be accessed at the front main entrance to the building.
The Broadbent Room can be accessed via a disabled wheelchair platform located opposite the disabled double doors, where assistance will be provided by Security. For events in the Great Hall, our third floor is the most accessible. We can provide space for a raised platform if elevation is required for viewing. Alternatively, the fourth-floor balcony can be used for viewing in its fixed raised seating.
We can also install a ramp from the floor to the stage to enable full accessibility. The angle of the ramp is better suited to electronic wheelchairs, or some assistance may be required to help those using manual wheelchairs.
Accessible emergency
procedures and support
We have a fire evacuation lift which can carry up to four wheelchairs at one time and can be accessed via the back entrance. This can be accessed via all floors, except for the Lower Ground Floor. Our Event Managers, Security Staff, Service Partners, and some Church Stewards have been trained in the use of the lift override to enable designated lifts to be used in the unlikely event of an evacuation.
Personal evacuation plan
Prior to your event, your Event Manager will agree with you a Personal Evacuation Plan for in the event of an emergency. The assembly point for disabled persons is located outside the front of the building, across the road, adjacent to the public disabled toilet. You can find two emergency evacuation routes from Wesley’s Café.
Train or tube transport routes
The three nearest underground stations are:
- St James’ Park station (Circle and District lines) – 0.1 miles away
- Westminster station (Jubilee, Circle and District lines) – 0.3 miles away
- Victoria station (Victoria, Circle and District lines) – 0.8 miles away
Westminster Underground station is a step-free station, located on the corner of Bridge Street and Victoria Embankment opposite the Houses of Parliament.
For additional help on planning your journey on the London Underground Network, visit: https://tfl.gov.uk/.
The three nearest overground stations are:
- Victoria train station – 0.8 miles away
- Charing Cross train station – 0.7 miles away
- Waterloo train station – 1 mile away
For further information on planning your journey using the rail network, visit National Rail or Train Line.
Bike or bus transport routes
Local bicycle stand locations can be found on Tothill Street, the south end of the venue, just near the corner of Storey’s Gate. You can find out more here: https://www.westminster.gov.uk/roads-and-travel/walking-and-cycling/cycle-parking
The nearest TFL bike hire docking station is on Storey’s Gate. Find out more via the TFL website: https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/cycling/santander-cycles/docking-stations
The following buses stop near Central Hall Westminster:
- Outside Barclays Bank, Victoria Street, which is just opposite Central Hall Westminster (Buses: 11, 24, 148 and 211).
- Parliament Street (southern end of Whitehall), 0.3 miles away (Buses: 3, 11, 12, 24, 53, 87, 88, 159).
When you arrive at the main entrance to Central Hall Westminster, you’ll find a sign at the entrance to guide you. Each lobby lift provides a signed refuge point and a communication system direct to reception and security.
Parking at Central Hall Westminster
Our building is located within the Central London Congestion Charge Zone, and we are also in the Ultra-Low Emission Zone, which always operates.
The nearest Blue Badge disabled parking bay is located on Matthew Parker Street, which is the road on the north-facing side of the building. There are two blue badge parking bays at this spot. Alternatively, a little further away, there are bays on Old Queen Street and Queen Anne’s Gate. These bays offer free parking for up to 4 hours between 08.30 and 18.30 Monday – Friday, and unlimited parking at any other time. Please see the City of Westminster website for further information www.westminster.gov.uk/disabled-parking.
There are also public car parks, the two closest are:
- Westminster: Great College Street – 0.3 mile
- Victoria: Horseferry Road – 0.5 mile
Arriving at Central Hall Westminster
Central Hall Westminster has disabled access via the front and back of the building. To access it from the front, you will find a smaller set of double doors (with no stairs) to the left of the main double doors for easy access. If they are closed, there is a bell to alert security. This entrance is directly adjacent to the passenger lifts.
Our entrance via the back of the building can be found on the southwest corner of the building between Tothill Street and Matthew Parker Street. There is a ramped walkway right up to the door and a bell that will alert security. The small service lift has access to all floors, and the fire escape lift can be used from this entrance.
Our recently refurbished accessible toilets are located on each floor and can be found via clear signage throughout the building.
Hearing assistance facilities
Permanent induction loops are in place within the Great Hall, whilst portable Induction Loops are available for use in other areas of the building. Should you require this, you should make the organiser of your event aware in advance or speak to our audio-visual production company, White Light, who will be able to assist.
Vision impairment facilities
Please could all carers or those with guide dog assistance, register at the reception desk in the main entrance. Assistance dogs can be walked in St James’s Park, which is very close to the building. Water and dog towels can also be provided at reception.
Visualising accessibility across our spaces
Entrance access
Lift & stair options
Facilities & amenities
Entrance access
Lift & stair options
Facilities & amenities
Frequently asked questions
How do I book a room or event space at Central Hall Westminster?
To book an event at Central Hall Westminster, you can call our sales team on 020 7222 8010 or fill in our enquiry form here.
What support does the CHW events team provide before and during my event?
Our experienced events team are equipped to help you with every aspect of your event and will ensure you are looked after from the moment you first enquire. To discuss specific requirements, please reach out to our events team.
Is there parking or loading access for event setup and suppliers?
We offer loading access for event setup and suppliers via our Tothill Street entrance. Please contact our team to arrange specific times and instructions for access.
Why event organisers choose us
