Midnight swim as leisure centres set to reopen at last

A “MIDNIGHT swim” is on the cards as Swansea’s leisure centres are gearing up to re-open as soon as their lockdown is over.

Swansea council’s centres, the LC Swansea, Penlan, Penyrheol, Morriston, Cefn Hengoed and Bishopston – all operated by Freedom Leisure – will open the doors to their gyms, pools, sports halls and fitness classes from Monday, May 3.

And one leisure centre will be back in action just seconds after midnight.

Penlan Leisure Centre will open at a minute past midnight on May 3 to welcome eager swimmers and gym users.

Ivan Horsfall Turner, managing director of Freedom Leisure, said: “We would like to thank all our customers for their patience, support and loyalty once again during the second lockdown period of closure of our leisure centres.

“We want to highlight how important physical activity is, particularly in the fight against Covid19, so we are getting the Penlan centre open at the earliest opportunity – and other centres open later that morning.

“We look forward to seeing some of our customers there too as we know how much people will have missed coming.”

The Penlan gym and pool will be open from 12.01am on Monday; Freedom even plans to run a fitness class or two!

Sessions can be booked online: https:// online3.freedom-leisure.co.uk/lhweb/en/ Members/home

Mr Horsfall Turner added: “Swansea’s leisure centres will continue to provide a Covid-safe place to give customers the reassurance we know they need.

“The teams can’t wait to get back to the business of providing our local communities with opportunities for exercise, activity and the chance to socialise safely with others.”

Tracey Mcnulty, the council’s head of cultural services, said: “Physical activity is vital to our health and wellbeing and it’s more important than ever now in the fight against

Covid-19.

“We are grateful that our partners Freedom can reopen our leisure centres and look forward to seeing all our residents have the opportunity to enjoy the first-class facilities they operate on our behalf once more.”

After a leisure centre lockdown of more than four months, the reopening gives everyone a chance to re-energise by swimming, taking part in an exercise class or completing a gym workout.

Freedom memberships cost from £27 per month – https:// online3.freedom-leisure.co.uk/lhweb/en/ Public/home/memberships

Freedom’s seven Swansea sites – including the LC – will all open on May 3.

A bank holiday would normally mean reduced opening times, but staff anticipate strong demand so have extended hours to ensure they are ready for all customers. Details at www.freedom-leisure.co.uk and on Freedom social media accounts.

One of Wales’ most popular waterparks is also reopening on May 3 at the LC – and the Boardrider and 30ft climbing wall will be back in use. User numbers will be limited for safety reasons and those planning to visit must book in advance.

Freedom Leisure is a not-for-profit leisure trust which manages leisure and cultural facilities on behalf of partners across the UK.