Leisure centres reopen in stages
THE CEO of local fitness provider Life Leisure has spoken about the work put in place to ensure eight of its 12 Stockport sites are now open.
A phased re-opening programme in close partnership with Stockport council has been implemented, as we reported last week, with flagship facilities Stockport Sports Village (SSV) and Houldsworth Village re-opening on July 27 and Grand Central, Brinnington, Avondale, Hazel Grove, Cheadle and Romiley all following last week.
Life Leisure say gyms, swimming facilities (where applicable) and studio classes will all resume at the specified centres in line with a rigorous re-opening framework developed in conjunction with the fitness industry and medical experts.
However, it is still not known when the remaining centres - Priestnall, Dialstone, Marple and Bramhall, will be able to open again.
CEO Malcolm McPhail said: “We had no choice when it came to closing centres at the start of the pandemic, but we have used every bit of that time to work with our fellow fitness providers, medical advisors and, of course, our brilliant team of staff to make sure we can reopen safely.
“We’ve looked at everything, from sanitisation stations, hands-free door opening and PPE for staff to equipment spacing, one-way systems and online booking for gym and class attendance - all to ensure members can train, swim, dance and get the physical workout they want, safe in the knowledge that social distancing and hygiene advice is being fully observed.
“Throughout the pandemic our members have been absolutely brilliant, taking part in online challenges, virtual fitness classes and showing a massive amount of support for the Life Leisure team. With this re-opening plan. I can’t wait to see everyone back.”
“I felt really safe at my first session back at Stockport Sports Village,” said returning member Sean O’Driscoll.
“The staff have done a brilliant job with every measure they have made to protect everyone using the gym, especially with the ‘one in and out’ system and all of the cleaning stations.”
Dawn Pickford and Kathy McMahon, regular members at Houldsworth Village, have been enjoying a return to spin classes.
Dawn said: “It feels great to be back in the gym. It is very safe and there’s lots of cleaning products for us all to use. Everyone is being careful and responsible to keep each and every one of us safe in the environment we love.”