A NEW sensory room is coming to The Broadway shopping centre.

The room - which will provide a calm space for neurodivergent visitors to retreat to if they feel overwhelmed - is opening in collaboration with the centre, Bradford Council and Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust.

The room will be located close to The Hub and include mood lighting, mirrors, a musical hand and touch wall, an LED colour curtain and an acoustic bed. 

Sensory rooms allow users to calm down and relieve any stress as well as improve focus by allowing exploration in a safe engaging environment. 

General manager of The Broadway, Ian Ward, said: “With the City of Culture and the increase in visitors to the city, we thought that a sensory room would go a long way to cater for shoppers who may enjoy some quiet time.

“We’ve renovated some unused space to make way for the city’s largest sensory room and we hope that it will help anyone who may feel overwhelmed when they’re in our busy centre.”

Councillor Sue Duffy, Portfolio Holder for Children’s and Young People’s Neurodiversity, said: “We have recently started a journey working closely with our partners with the aim of making Bradford a neurodiverse friendly district so that when we refer to our city being inclusive it means neurological differences are recognised and respected by everyone.

"Today is a key milestone for all of us as we launch the sensory room in the Broadway, which has been designed specifically to support people of all ages with physical and cognitive skills and also provide a safe space for those who may become overwhelmed by all the sensory output in our modern cities.”

Therese Patten, Place Lead for Bradford District and Craven Health and Care Partnership and Chief Executive for Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust: “The opening of this sensory room is an example of us working as one in our efforts to create a neurodiverse friendly place.

"With this being the largest sensory room of its kind in Bradford, we can demonstrate that we’re all determined in our efforts to make everyone welcome.”

Christina Beggan, Asset Management Director at Ellandi, added: “Incorporating a sensory room at The Broadway isn't just about providing a space; it's about creating a haven where every individual, regardless of their specific needs, feels understood and included.

"It's about transforming a shopping trip where everyone feels supportive and can enjoy memorable shopping experiences for years to come."