Continuous evolution, making the show even more accessible.
The Melbourne Royal Show is Victoria’s largest community and agricultural event, held every year in September at the historic Melbourne Royal Showgrounds in Ascot Vale. Architecture & Access are proud to have been involved with the Show for the last three years, providing advice and guidance to Melbourne Royal assisting them to make this much-loved event accessible and inclusive for patrons of all abilities.
The twelve-day event is jam packed with an array of carnival rides, sideshow games, animal displays & competitions, live music, motorcross demonstrations, a parade and nightly fireworks. However, with an attendance of over forty thousand – the colour & movement, noise and bustling activity can be overwhelming for many patrons. Children and adults who live with neurodiversity, anxiety and other disability, or medical conditions, can find attending events like the Show very challenging. This can result in limiting their time at the Show, or simply not going at all.
Melbourne Royal has recognised the need for a safe and quiet space within the Showgrounds and have provided a Quiet Room for the last three years, operated by disability support specialists ONCALL. The 2024 iteration was the Sensory Lounge, which provided three separate zones – sensory seeking, sensory avoiding and a relaxed interaction space – with a view of the Main Arena. The Sensory Lounge was hugely successful, and enabled individuals and families to stay longer and enjoy the many entertainment and engagement opportunities provided at the Show.
Architecture & Access identified a lack of accessible car parking and steep paths for travel from the parking area. We provided specialist advice regarding a new dedicated accessible carparking area, with 48 accessible bays located within the Showgrounds to support people with disability, their families and carers to attend the event.
2024 was also the introduction of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program at Melbourne Royal. This program raises awareness of the needs of people with disabilities and medical conditions which may not be obvious to others but can limit a person’s ability to stand or walk for long distances, or cope with extreme noise, temperature and other sensory challenges.
Architecture & Access are excited to be involved with Melbourne Royal’s commitment to improving access and inclusion of the Showgrounds and the many events held within them.
