The Warehouse – What to Expect

The Warehouse is located on Level 2 of our building and is a large, open space that measures 64m x 32m and is 21m high. Visitors typically enter the space along the east wall through doors 1 to 9, depending on nature of the event they are attending. Step-free access routes in, through and out of the Warehouse are always available.

For our large music gigs, the stage is typically positioned along the north wall. Bars run up and down the east and west walls. The accessible viewing platform is located along the south wall, nearest the doors in and out of the space and next to our first aid and welfare providers when available.

For seated events, custom seating banks are created and installed in response to the work that is being programmed. These can sometimes be positioned in-the-round with a stage in the centre of the space. Other times we create more traditional, end-on theatre-like environments. Accessible seating options, including wheelchair user spaces and ambulant seats, are always available to book for these events.

For seating information related to a specific event, please see the relevant event page on our website, which can be accessed via our What’s On listings. 

Seating in the Warehouse differs depending on the nature of the event.

For ‘standing only’ events, such as our large music gigs, the only available seating is located on our accessible viewing platform. This seating is assigned (i.e. it needs to be booked and allocated in advance). These seated tickets must be bought directly from Factory International – please visit our How to Book Access Tickets page for more information. While our Visitor Experience team will always try their best to accommodate on-the-day requests for seating, if our accessible viewing platform has sold out and you have purchased a standing ticket, they may not be able to facilitate this request.

The seats used on the accessible viewing platform are black, conference-style chairs that have back support, but are not padded. They are 44cm wide and 44cm high from floor to seat.

For seated events, such as theatrical and dance productions, the seating used in the Warehouse is typically the same as that found in the Andrew Law Hall. Please visit the Hall What to Expect Guide for more information.

Our visual art installations typically have periodic seating located throughout the experience. Portable, foldable stools are also available to borrow to support the comfort of your visit if needed.

Assistive listening in the Warehouse is delivered through an Auracast-enabled broadcast system call Auri.

If you have Auracast-enabled hearing aids and a mobile device, you can either join our Wi-Fi network and select the relevant Auracast channel or scan one of the QR codes located next to all doors leading into the Warehouse. There are different channels for the North and South side of the Warehouse, so please be sure to select the channel most appropriate for the event you are attending – our Visitor Experience team can also advise you on this if needed.

If you don’t yet have Auracast-enabled hearing aids, you can instead borrow a receiver and induction neck loop from us and connect just like you normally would to another assistive listening system (e.g. by switching to T). Receivers are available to sign-out from the orange Information Point located in the Social. You do not need to let us know ahead of time that you’d like to make use of this facility.

Depending on when you visit, there may be additional facilities set up in or near the Warehouse, often immediately outside doors 1 and 2. These include:

• A first aid station: a place staffed by first aiders where you can seek treatment if you are feeling unwell or injure yourself during an event. This facility is available for visitors at all our large music gigs.

• A welfare tent: a provision staffed by volunteers from W.E.L.safe where you can receive support should you feel overwhelmed or unsafe at any point during your visit. Again, this facility is available for visitors at all our large music events.

• A chill-out space: a portable structure intended to support visitors who need a private space to take a break and self-regulate. Inside the chill-out space, you will find soft furnishings, weighted blankets, fidget toys and ear defenders, along with a bespoke sensory toolkit designed by Manchester-based artist, Sarah Marsh. The chill-out space is typically available here for more immersive events in the Warehouse when positioning it in the Social is not feasible.