‘Leisure centres bouncing back to pre-Covid levels’
Sunderland City Council’s sports facilities are bouncing back from the Covid-19 pandemic, according to new figures from leisure bosses.
Due to lockdowns and government restrictions, the city’s leisure sector has faced lengthyperiodsofclosureand strict rules when operating to ensure public safety.
LeisureoperatorEveryone Active manages a range of leisure facilities in partnership withthecitycouncilincluding the Sunderland Aquatic Centre and Silksworth CommunityPool,TennisandWellness Centre, as well as facilities in Houghton,HendonandWashington.
Aspartofapresentationto the council’s Economic Prosperity Scrutiny Committee at City Hall, bosses revealed that attendancefiguresinmanyactivities were returning to prepandemic levels.
This included swimming lesson attendance recovering to pre-Covid levels and Everyone Active’s fitness membership base recovering to 93% of pre-Covid levels.
Councillorsalsoheardthat the pandemic had led to an increased interest in staying active, which was reflected by new members.
In addition, almost 50% of sales since reopening in April 2021 had come from people who were new to Everyone Active facilities.
Ian Bradgate, Everyone Active’s contract manager, speaking after the council meeting,said:“Wearedelightedthatfollowingachallenging coupleofyears,swimminglesson
attendance has recovered topre-Covidlevelsandfitness attendance is close to achieving that milestone as well.
“This is testament to the efforts of our colleagues in centres, who have worked tirelessly to meet and exceed government guidance throughout the pandemic.
“It also reflects the trust our customers have in us to provide a safe environment, the importance of health and wellbeing and on the quality of the facilities and activities available.
“Indoorsportsattendance numbers are still on their way back up, as this continues to be the area most affected by Covid and because indoor activitiesrestartedatalaterdate.
“The fact indoor sports attendances are still recovering, alongside a 15% increase in utility costs and the rise in the National Minimum Wage means we have a lot of work to do.
“However, we are really encouraged by the fact new members are using the facilities.”