Auckland Live has launched the online tour on its website as an intuitive vehicle for audiences with accessibility needs to become familiar with the historic venue before stepping inside.

Built around 3-D images of the Town Hall’s Baroque-style interiors, the tour begins in the venue’s foyer, where virtual visitors can choose to navigate wheelchair and mobility-impaired pathways taking them to seating in the Great Hall and Chamber Concert. Step counts along the way, coupled with elevator access, floor plans and pathways to the box office, public toilets and the bar offer an enhanced and fulsome experience of the Auckland Council A and Category 1 Heritage NZ listed building.

User-centric and innovative, AVT is the culmination of hours of research and analysis by Auckland Live and virtual tour developers Property3D, as well as consultation and testing with the disabled community.

Auckland Live director, Robbie Macrae, says the digital initiative highlights the organisation’s commitment to promote and support inclusiveness and access to the arts for all.

“By coupling the latest in digital tour technology with a 106-year-old building we’ve opened up the doors of the Town Hall wider than ever before,” says Mr Macrae.

“The enhanced accessibility allows more Aucklanders, particularly those with disability issues and the elderly, to enjoy the iconic Town Hall as well as experience the magic and memories created by the live arts experience.”

Be. Accessible Charitable Trust programme director, Neville Pulman, says it’s great to see Auckland Live taking the lead with 3D-modelling and mapping of its venues.

He says research shows concertgoers with access needs rate the availability of quality accessibility information prior to the event as a top priority.

“Auckland Town Hall’s new Virtual Tour  delivers on that, giving accurate, updatable information that’s easy to use and reference prior to or during your visit.”

Accessibility Virtual Tours will be launched online for The Civic, Aotea Centre and Bruce Mason Centre in 2018.

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