Westfield London, Europe’s largest shopping and leisure destination, has unveiled a brand-new permanent Sensory Room, marking another significant step in its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility for all visitors.
Thoughtfully designed in collaboration with sensory specialists and Jack Tizard School—a day school in Hammersmith and Fulham supporting children and young people with severe learning difficulties, including profound and multiple learning disabilities—the Sensory Room offers a calming sanctuary.
Designed to promote relaxation and reduce stress, the space features soothing lighting, interactive visual projectors, tactile elements, and soft furnishings, creating a calming and therapeutic environment. Tailored to support individuals with sensory processing disorders, cognitive conditions such as ADHD and autism, and a range of disabilities, it offers a safe, inclusive, and welcoming space for children, adults, and families to enjoy.
The Sensory Room is named in memory of Mia Wedgbury, a beloved pupil of the Jack Tizard School and champion of inclusive playgrounds, in a heartfelt tribute that highlights Westfield London’s deep connection to its community.
Katie Wyle, head of shopping centre management at Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield, said: “We are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for all our visitors. The new sensory room demonstrates our commitment to ensuring everyone, regardless of sensory needs, can have a comfortable and enjoyable experience at our centre. We are proud to provide this safe space and continue making Westfield London a welcoming destination for our entire community.”
Francesca Smith, headteacher of Jack Tizard School, said: “We are thrilled to have partnered with Westfield on this initiative. The sensory room offers a much-needed tranquil space for children and families visiting such a lively shopping destination. This thoughtful project, along with other efforts like sensory backpacks and quiet hours, demonstrates Westfield’s commitment to inclusion. We are deeply touched by the decision to name the room in honour of Mia, a truly fitting tribute to a cherished member of our school community.”
The Sensory Room forms part of Westfield London’s wider accessibility initiatives, including sponsorship of Purple Tuesday, an annual event raising awareness of hidden and visible disabilities. The centre also offers other inclusive services such as free sensory packs, Sunflower Lanyards for discreet support, and designated Quiet Hours to create a more accommodating environment. With these initiatives, Westfield London is setting a benchmark for inclusivity, ensuring that everyone can enjoy Europe’s largest shopping and leisure destination in comfort and confidence.
The Sensory Room will be open in line with the centre’s operating hours: Monday to Saturday, 10:00am – 9:00pm and Sunday, 12:00pm – 6:00pm. Access to the Sensory Room is free; however, pre-booking is required. Guests can book on the same day either at any Guest Services desk or online via the Westfield London website. Once a booking is confirmed, a Guest Services team member will assist and escort the guest to the Sensory Room.
