Practical questions
Questions visitors ask before travelling a long way. Where we are not yet sure, we say so.
Every answer below marked TODO still needs to be confirmed by the team. Where we are not sure, we say so rather than guess.
Opening hours by area
See the table on the contact page. Event times are given on each event listing.
Hackspace Social Night: Tuesdays 7:30pm in Hawkwell, moving November.
Heritage Centre under construction.
Which entrance do I use?
All events use the main entrance on Bradley Way, which is step-free.
The Community space & heritage centre uses the front entrance by the access ramp (to the left of the Great Eastern Suite entrance). The entrance is step free, but at present there is no lift or stairlift and it is on the 2nd floor. This is being actively worked on.
The Hackspace uses the Pullman entrance at the end of the building, closest to the railway line. It is access controlled except on Social Nights (coming soon) or evenings with events. The lift is currently out of service.
The Pullman Meeting room is through the hackspace entrance. This is access controlled except when booked. Lift status as above.
Is the walk from the station lit and covered?
The platform for trains from London is next to the venue. The step-free route from the other platform goes along Hall Road under the railway bridge.
What time is the last train?
Check before you travel: times change, and engineering work often affects weekends. Use National Rail or the Greater Anglia app.
- Towards London Liverpool Street: typically around 11pm. Check before you travel.
- Towards Southend Victoria: typically around 1am. Check before you travel.
If you need the step-free route to the London-bound platform, allow at least 10 minutes from the venue door. See getting here.
Where is the nearest taxi rank?
At Rochford station, next to the venue. Local firms are listed on the getting here page.
Toilets, baby changing, cloakroom and water
- Toilets: Many.
- Accessible toilet: Yes; see the access statement.
- Baby changing: Yes.
- Cloakroom: Yes.
- Water refill point: main bar, inside venue.
Is there a café or bar?
In the heritage centre there is a small cafe and in the main events space there is a bar. There are cafés and pubs within a few minutes' walk; see food and drink.
Card or cash?
Card and Cash are accepted. Nearest cash machine: Sainsburys opposite the venue. More in the town square.
Mobile signal and Wi-Fi
Public wifi and good mobile signal is present.
Children, pushchairs, quiet space and dogs
- Children are welcome at all events unless the listing says otherwise.
- Pushchairs: the event hall is step-free. Pushchairs can be stored by the main entrance/cloak room.
- Quiet space: Main entrance.
- Assistance dogs are always welcome. Other dogs please check before the event.
Is the museum/heritage centre free, and do I need to book?
Free, donations accepted See the museum page.
What happens if an event is cancelled?
The event stays listed on this website with a clear "Cancelled" label, and the event page explains what happens next. If you booked through a ticket site, the organiser will contact you at the email address you booked with. For free events, we post the cancellation on this website and on our social channels. [TODO: confirm the process and add social links].
Questions before you travel
Email [email protected]. We aim to reply within two working days. This is separate from the hire enquiry form.