Project Information

The City of Adelaide is committed to creating liveable neighbourhoods and communities that enable everyone to participate.

Our Disability Action and Inclusion Plan 2024 – 2028 (DAIP) includes a Four-Year Focus on Sensory Friendly Spaces.

The City of Adelaide offers many exciting programs, events, facilities and places to visit. We know this can involve many noises, sounds, smells, bright lights, movement and crowds. While many people enjoy this, it can feel overwhelming for others.

When developing our DAIP, community members told us there is a need for quiet or calming places in the city. These places can support people with sensory processing differences, including neurodivergent people and anyone experiencing sensory overload, to regulate and feel safe.

We are working with Autism Spectrum Australia (Aspect) to explore different types of sensory friendly quiet spaces. This includes looking at how they are designed, where they could be located, and the evidence about their benefits.

As part of this work, we are seeking community feedback about:

  • How and where you visit City of Adelaide places.
  • Whether you have used quiet spaces before.
  • Your ideas for quiet spaces run by the Council.

Your feedback will help us understand community needs and help to guide future planning.

Background

The City of Adelaide Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2024 – 2028 (DAIP) outlines the goals and actions Council will take to improve disability access and inclusion.

Goal 2 of the DAIP is for ‘liveable neighbourhoods and communities that enable everyone to participate’. The focus area under this goal is sensory friendly spaces.

Through the DAIP, the City of Adelaide will:

  • Investigate potential locations and cost for quiet sensory friendly spaces in the city.
  • Develop at least one dedicated space by June 2028.

We have also heard that the community would like child-friendly and sensory quiet spaces that are safe and autistic affirming. Locating these spaces with other important community facilities, such as libraries, promoting them clearly and offering free access will help support participation and city life.

Providing sensory friendly quiet spaces can support people with sensory processing differences, neurodivergent people and others experiencing overwhelm to take part in city life.

This project builds on work already happening across council. For example, some libraries and council run events already provide temporary quiet spaces during large programs and events.

In 2025-26, we are exploring and researching options for sensory friendly quiet spaces with Aspect, to inform future planning.

Timeline

  • Timeline item 1 - active

    Consultation open

    Monday 23 March 2026

  • Timeline item 2 - incomplete

    Consultation closes

    Monday 13 April

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

A sensory friendly quiet space is a calm, low-sensory area for people who feel overwhelmed, anxious or distressed.

It’s a place where someone can take a break and regulate themselves before returning to their activity or environment. These spaces are not designed for play or socialising.

Common features may include:

  • Soft or dim lighting.
  • Low noise levels.
  • Comfortable seating.
  • Separation from crowds.
  • Items such as noise cancelling headphones or calming tools.

Quiet spaces can be permanent rooms, designated areas, or temporary spaces set up for specific events.

The City of Adelaide is exploring a range of different types of options including:

  • Dedicated quiet rooms.
  • Smaller quiet spaces within larger indoor areas (for example, quiet corners in public buildings).
  • Outdoor quiet areas in gardens, parks and other locations.
  • Temporary or ‘pop-up’ quiet spaces at events or busy periods. These could be indoors or outdoors.

Quiet spaces provide relief for people experiencing sensory overload or overwhelm.

Having a safe, dedicated low-sensory space can give people greater confidence to visit the city or attend events. Knowing a quiet area is available if needed can make participation easier and more accessible.

Quiet spaces are one way we can help create neighbourhoods and communities where everyone feels able to participate.

Sensory stimulating spaces are different from quiet spaces. They are designed for people who regulate through engaging or stimulating their senses. These spaces may include interactive equipment, tactile activities, gentle sounds or visual displays such as bubble tubes or fibre optic lights.

They can be indoor purpose-built rooms, outdoor play areas or therapy spaces.

We recognise that sensory stimulating spaces are also important. However, this project focuses on quiet spaces due to the busy and active nature of our city, and the feedback received during development of the DAIP.

Document Library

Tell us your thoughts

Consultation on the sensory friendly quiet spaces closes at 11.59pm 13 April 2026

Other ways to provide feedback

  • For enquires about the project, please contact:


    Kelly Barns

    Social Planning Team

    E: accessandinclusion@cityofadelaide.com.au

    P: 8203 7212

  • Written Submissions

    Click here to complete the printable feedback form or collect it from a City of Adelaide library, community centre or customer centre.

  • Over the phone

    Please contact the Social Planning Team on 08 8203 7265 to arrange for a team member to conduct your survey over the phone.

    If your call is not answered, please leave a message with your name and phone number, and a team member will return your call as soon as possible.