Leisure facilities across the Borough will reopen from 6am on Wednesday 2 December, as the national lockdown comes to an end and new Tier 2 (High) restrictions come into force. This includes Loddon Valley Leisure Centre, Bulmershe Leisure Centre, St Crispin’s Leisure Centre, Ryeish Green Sports Hub and Arborfield Green Leisure Centre.
The Council is continuing to work closely with Places Leisure to ensure its centres offer a Covid-secure environment that is safe for both colleagues and customers, and build upon positive feedback that was received following the re-opening in August.
Key measures include signage to encourage social distancing, a requirement to wear facemasks when moving around the buildings, reduced activity capacities, improved ventilation and pre-booking for all centre activities on the Places Locker app or via its website. There are also enhanced cleaning regimes in place, as well as hand sanitising and cleaning stations.
Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure said: “We know how important leisure activities are to our physical and mental health and we’re very happy to be re-opening our facilities following the end of lockdown. Employees and customers have been incredibly understanding and we appreciate everyone’s patience and adherence to the lockdown rules.
“Going forward, it is very important that we continue to stick to social distancing guidance. This includes washing our hands regularly, wearing a face covering where we are required to do so, making space between ourselves and others, self-isolating when we are asked to and getting a test when we have symptoms. Maintaining these behaviours is crucial to slowing the spread of the virus across the borough.”
Tony Penge, Contract Manager at Places Leisure, adds: “We are delighted that our leisure facilities will be re-opening again on the 2 December, and judging by the feedback, our customers are incredibly eager to return to their centre. We’ve already begun communicating our opening with them and cannot wait to see everyone soon.”
Please note, the Loddon Valley Leisure Centre sports hall is currently closed due to the floor being relayed – it will re-open on Monday 28 December. The St Crispin’s Leisure Centre studio will be open for group exercise sessions and activities between 2 and 12 December; sessions will then move to the sports hall from Monday 14 December while a new floor is installed. The studio will re-open on Saturday 2 January 2021. For more information, please visit the Places Leisure website.
In addition to the leisure centres, the following settings will also reopen as of 2 December: grass pitches, 3G pitches, the tennis courts at Cantley Park and Woosehill, and archery at Cantley Park.
