Multi-sensory facility reopens

The Southern Centre, a multi-sensory leisure facility designed for children and people with disabilities, will reopen on Wednesday 18 April at its new location within the Christchurch City Council’s Pioneer Recreation and Sport Centre.

Mayor Bob Parker says the facility has been greatly missed since February 2011, when QEII Park Recreation and Sport Centre – its former home – was closed due to earthquake damage.

“Leisure and recreation are among our most basic needs, and the Southern Centre’s absence was really felt by its regular customers. There just aren’t a lot of accessible and inclusive leisure opportunities of this quality out there for people with disabilities, so it’s great to have this unique facility back.”

Groups and individuals can book customised sessions with interactive features: in addition to a new bubble tube and LED light show, familiar favourites such as the gel bed, fibre optics and specialised lighting have been transferred from QEII Park. To book, phone the Council on  (03) 941 8999       .

The Southern Centre is a joint operation between the Christchurch City Council and The Southern Charitable Trust, and has been recognised internationally, winning a World Leisure Award for Excellence in Innovation in 2006.