The Southern Centre is a multi-sensory recreational environment for people of all ages and abilities.
Using innovative lighting and sound technology, the Southern Centre allows you to explore and create at the touch of a switch.
You can feel vibrations, touch different textures, change lighting effects and experience different smells.
It is a unique facility with the ability to cater for the needs of the individual, empowering you to choose your own environment, make changes and control your leisure time.
The Southern Centre sensory room is located on the first floor at Pioneer Recreation and Sport Centre (75 Lyttelton Street, Spreydon, Christchurch) and is a partnership that incorporates the Council and The Southern Centre Charitable Trust.
Bookings are required.
| Day | Opening hours |
| Monday to Friday | 9am to 4.30pm |
| Saturday | 10am to 2pm |
| Sunday | 11.30am to 3pm |
Pioneer Recreation and Sport Centre
75 Lyttelton Street
Spreydon
Christchurch
| Activity | Fee |
| Individual participant | $7.60* |
| Swim Combo Adult | $11.00* |
| Swim Combo Child | $9.20* |
| Birthday Party | $15 + individual price |
*A 25% discount is available for Community Services and KiwiAble Leisure card holders.
A multi-sensory environment allows people of all ages and abilities to attend an alternative recreational activity to meet their needs.
The Southern Centre sessions run for 30 minutes with up to ten participants at a time. A support person is required to attend with the participants. Each session is essentially regarded as a private booking giving the participants individual time in the Southern Centre. Participants can enjoy the centre at their own pace. Staff are present in the room at all times to assist with use of the equipment and to answer any questions.
If you are looking for a unique experience, the Southern Centre is a great place to hold a birthday party. The Southern Centre provides a sensory session with a birthday theme, balloons and a personalised message. Sessions last 30 minutes and are available for groups of up to ten participants.
Combo Sessions are also available, combining a sensory session at the Southern Centre and a swim at Pioneer pool.
Facility tours are available for individuals and organisations who would like to learn more about the Southern Centre and its equipment.
A multi-sensory environment is a relaxing space, which helps reduce stress levels and develop social skills.
Benefits of a multi-sensory environment:
Who can benefit from a multi-sensory environment:
The Southern Centre is operated under a very successful partnership between the Christchurch City Council and the Southern Centre Charitable Trust.
The Christchurch City Council manages the daily operation of the Southern Centre, which includes staffing, general building requirements, processes and overhead costs.
The Trust is responsible for sourcing funding for the specialised equipment in the room, which includes new equipment projects and maintenance of equipment.
The original concept for multi-sensory rooms began in the Netherlands in the late 1970s and grew in popularity in both the UK and Europe.
The types and functions of sensory rooms have changed and morphed over the years and the Southern Centre is an extremely dynamic version of the early rooms.
This innovation and creativity has seen the Southern Centre recognised on the international stage, winning the World Leisure Award for Innovation and Excellence.
The first Southern Centre was located at QEII Recreation and Sport Centre until the February 2011 earthquake. It was then relocated to its current location at Pioneer Recreation and Sport Centre.
