Overview

The Exchange in Birmingham is a historic building that’s now home to exhibitions and events. It’s easy to get to, especially by tram, and accessibility has been given great thought. Inside, there’s a spacious café, a decent lift and even a Changing Places toilet. The staff were genuinely lovely and happy to chat (especially Lydia), which made the visit all the more welcoming.

Transport & Parking

The easiest way to get here is by tram, as it stops right outside the venue. If you are arriving in Birmingham via New Street, you can catch the tram just outside the station. Parking is not great in this area, but there are a few on-street spaces near the Central Gardens, behind the Library, which is across the street.

Access

The Exchange has ramp access to the right of the entrance and stairs with handrails on both sides. The first set of doors is automatic and the second set is usually propped open. Inside, most of the doors are manual, but I found step-free routes through the main café and Banking Hall. The café itself is roomy, with space for most mobility devices and a lowered counter. There’s a selection of tea, coffee and snacks. I stopped for a coffee and really enjoyed it. There’s a lift to the other floors, and it’s big enough for a powerchair and a few others. The buttons have braille markings, which is a nice detail, though there’s no hearing loop inside the lift. The signage in the lift mentions a Changing Places toilet but gives the wrong floor – it says ground floor when it’s actually in the basement. I pointed this out to staff, who hadn’t noticed but said they’d update it. They already had accurate signage in the staff lift they could start using. Signage throughout the venue, overlooking the Changing Places toilet signage I’ve just mentioned, is good, making the place easy to navigate for a visitor like me. A hearing loop is available at the Banking Hall. No additional alternative formats are available, though staff will be happy to advise on the café menu if you ask.

Toilets

Changing Places: I was genuinely surprised to find a Changing Places toilet at The Exchange. It is a great facility, but it is not very well signposted. Once you find it, I’m sure you’ll be impressed. The door to the toilet opens outwards and requires a RADAR key to access. The toilet features a ceiling track hoist and an adjustable changing bed. The adjustable sink has a large basin with blue grab rails on either side. The room has a Clos-o-Mat-style toilet, which often feels like a rarity, with support rails on either side. Both left and right-side transfers are possible, though transferring from the right may prove difficult for some. There are red cords next to the toilet and the adjustable changing bed, both unobstructed, which I love to see. A colostomy shelf is mounted above the toilet. There is also a privacy screen and printed instructions on how to use the equipment. Accessible Toilets: The Exchange has two accessible toilets on the ground floor. I found both to be of a good standard, although the bin in the toilet in the top left corner was overflowing when I visited. Both toilets are right-side transfer only. Each has grab rails on either side of the toilet and around the small sink, which has a lever-style tap. The red emergency cords were hanging freely beside the toilet seat, and both had a Euan’s Guide Red Cord Card in place. Neither toilet requires a RADAR key to access and the doors open outwards.

Staff

I spoke with Lydia, who was an absolute joy. She was eager to hear feedback on the venue and even told me about the local arts scene.

Photos