Accessibility at City Hall
We have a number of features designed to make your visit to City Hall straightforward and more enjoyable.
Arrival
The closest station is Royal Victoria Dock on the Docklands Light Railway, this station has step-free access.
Canning Town station also has step-free access, this links to Royal Victoria via the Jubilee Line and local bus routes.
Please see visit the How to find City Hall webpage for further information on travel options.
The Transport for London website provides information on how to plan accessible travel around London.
The AccessAble website provides further information about the accessibility of stations around London that can be useful when planning your journey to City Hall.
Access and security
The visitor entrance to City Hall is located the the front of the building, with level access from the street. All public areas including the Chamber, Committee Rooms, cafe and event space is located on the ground floor.
For the safety of all visitors and staff, visitors pass through an airport style security search area upon arrival. Once inside, the reception area is clearly visible.
Security and reception officers are trained to consider wellbeing issues to ensure the safety, physical and emotional comfort of visitors to City Hall.
Guide/assistance dogs
City Hall welcomes all guide and assistance dogs, as well as other assistance animals. Please note that no other dogs or pets are permitted. Upon arrival, please advise the security officer of the assistance dog, security officers are briefed on the admission policy.
Fire safety
In the case of an evacuation, a voice alarm will direct people to leave by the nearest fire exit. We have no visual alarm system at City Hall. Our security officers will check all areas and guide visitors out of the building during an evacuation.
Accessible visitor parking
There are two parking bays available for blue badge holders. These are accessed via Kamal Chunchie Way, past the security gate, next to the cycle parking. The parking bays are approximately 80m from the entrance. Please note that parking cannot be guaranteed.
The security team will be aware of the vehicle at the barrier. Upon arrival at the barriers, the driver will to speak with City Hall security officers by using an intercom, dialling 020 7055 6700 or speaking with a security officer in person to gain entry.
If you have an appointment to see a member of staff at City Hall and require use of a blue badge parking bay, please ask them to enquire about the availability of parking spaces.
Please contact [email protected] in advance to reserve a space.
Accessible toilets
All toilet facilities in City Hall are gender neutral. Accessible toilet cubicles are located on the ground floor, one next to the cafe and Chamber. The other two are located near the Committee Rooms. One cubicle has a sliding door.
Changing Places
City Hall has worked with Changing Places to install an accessible toilet and changing facility. It located next to the reception desk on the ground floor.
- a height-adjustable, adult-sized changing bench with shower
- a ceiling track hoist system
- adequate space in the changing area for a wheelchair user and up to two assistants
- a centrally placed toilet with space either side for assistants
- wide tear-off paper roll to cover the bench
- a large waste bin for disposable pads
- a non-slip floor.
For more information, please visit the Changing Places website.
Hearing / induction loop
Public areas of City Hall including the reception desk, Chamber, Committee Rooms and the London’s Living Room have an inbuilt induction loop. The induction loops are always on, users may need to switch their device to the ‘T-setting’.
Mental health / wellbeing / nurodiversity
Our surroundings will affect people in different ways, we want to ensure that all visitors to City Hall feel as comfortable as possible. The following are in place which may support the needs of people who experience mental health distress or who are neurodiverse.
Large glass panels provide natural light inside the building and a sense of open space. There are benches and seating located in the public areas, where visitors can seek quieter spaces if needed. Gardens surrounding the building provide a quiet space to relax, with views over the Royal Docks.
City Hall is a lively workplace, quieter spaces may vary depending on events taking place, please speak with reception or a security officer for advice on finding a quieter space on the day of your visit or contact us in advance of your visit.
Dementia Friends
City Hall is a certified Dementia Friendly Venue. Many of our front of house staff, including reception and security officers, are trained as Dementia Friends. These staff can be identified by a small flower pin badge.
All public areas are visible from the entrance. There is clear signage directing visitors to meeting rooms and facilities.
Seating
Seating is available in the reception area, the café and the London’s Living Room.
The Chamber has six dedicated spaces for wheelchair users in the public gallery.
Contact City Hall
If you have any questions about your visit to City Hall, or if you would like us to make adjustments or changes to enable your visit, please email [email protected] or call 020 7983 4000.
Responses to postal enquiries will take a little longer, our contact address is:
FAO GLA E16,
C/O Xerox Unit 4,
191 Pasadena Close,
Hayes,
UB3 3NQ.
We are always looking to improve visitor experience, we welcome feedback and comments regarding your visit to City Hall either on the day by speaking to reception or security officers, or by email [email protected] after your visit.