Southampton FC sensory room upgraded after seven years

The refurbishment was led by Hampshire-based housebuilder Bargate Homes, who, as the club's regional partner, funded new specialist sensory equipment and coordinated the restoration work.

In recognition of their efforts, the space has been renamed The Bargate Homes Sensory Room.

First opened in 2017, the room allows supporters who may find a match day challenging to enjoy the games at their own pace. Southampton FC was among the first Premier League clubs to provide a sensory room.

Bargate Homes Sensory Room viewing area (Image: Supplied) Greg Baker, chief revenue officer for Southampton Football Club said: "We’re delighted to have worked with our partners at Bargate Homes on refurbishing the Sensory Room at St Mary’s Stadium. The Bargate Homes Sensory Room is an important facility at the club and this generous investment will help us ensure that every supporter, regardless of their needs, can enjoy matchday in a welcoming and supportive environment.

"The dedication and commitment shown by Bargate Homes and their supporting contractors throughout this project has been incredible, overdelivering at every opportunity. We look forward to seeing our fans benefit from the top-class facility for many years to come."

Fans enjoy the new sensory space with Saints legend Le Tissier (Image: Supplied) Mark White, managing director for Bargate Homes said: "As a proud father to a teenage son with additional needs, I am very pleased to unveil the Bargate Homes Sensory Room. This project has been a labour of love, with so many companies and individuals giving up their own time and resources to make a real difference.

"Special thanks go 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."

SFC's Greg Baker and Bargate Homes' Mark White officially open the revamped Saints' Sensory Room (Image: Supplied) The upgraded space now features interactive items such as a projector, sound and light panels, LED lighting, soft play, and other specialist sensory gear.

While traditionally designed for those with autism spectrum disorder, the club has extended access to supporters with dementia and Alzheimer’s, as well as others who would benefit from a suitable place to enjoy match days.

Bargate Homes, established in 2006, is a subsidiary of VIVID and delivers 300 homes per year.