Ahead of the start of the new season, Southampton Football Club’s Sensory Room was completely transformed thanks to Bargate Homes.
Our local partner Bargate Homes has supported the project from start to finish, including coordinating key restoration work on the room and funding the installation of specialist sensory equipment. As a sign of their strong support, the room will now be known as The Bargate Homes Sensory Room.
The space, which opened in 2017, offers fans for whom matchday would otherwise be a challenge the opportunity to enjoy the games at their own pace.
We were one of the first Premier League clubs to open a Sensory Room and after seven years it was in desperate need of refurbishment. The Bargate Homes Sensory Room has now been refurbished and offers a brand new range of interactive stimuli including a state-of-the-art projector, sound and light panel, LED lighting, soft play and other special features.
Sensory rooms have traditionally been spaces for people with autism spectrum disorders or similar disabilities. However, we recognise that other fans and disabilities can also benefit from such a space and so we accept requests from people with dementia, Alzheimer’s and anyone else who would benefit from a safe space to enjoy match days at St Mary’s Stadium. It is a space for anyone with additional needs to enjoy a game with their family and friends.
Greg Baker, Chief Revenue Officer at Southampton Football Club said:
“We are delighted to have worked with our partners at Bargate Homes on the refurbishment of the Sensory Room at St Mary’s Stadium. The Bargate Homes Sensory Room is a key facility at the Club and this generous investment will help us ensure that every fan, whatever their needs, can enjoy matchday in a welcoming and supportive environment.
“The commitment and dedication shown by Bargate Homes and their supporting contractors throughout the project has been incredible, going above and beyond expectations on every occasion. We look forward to our fans benefitting from the world-class facility we have created in partnership with them for many years to come.”
Mark White, Managing Director of Bargate Homes, commented:
“As a proud father of a teenage son with special needs, I am delighted to be opening the Bargate Homes Sensory Room. This project has been a labour of love with so many businesses and individuals sacrificing their own time and resources to make a real difference. Special thanks to Anthony Forfar Carpets and Flooring, Bourntex Ltd, Elliotts Builders Merchants, Granite Kitchen Services Ltd, Lumi-Plugin, Quayside Electrical, Apollo Signs and Tailor Made Kitchens Ltd.”
Established in 2006, Bargate Homes is headquartered in Hampshire and delivers 300 highly EPC rated homes annually. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of VIVID – one of the largest providers of affordable housing in the South East.
