Bucks' leisure centres prepare to re-open
Everyone Active sites will open their doors on Monday
Last updated 6th Apr 2021
Leisure centres in Buckinghamshire have just under a week to get ready to re-open.
The Chiltern Pools and Gym, Chesham Leisure Centre, Chalfont Leisure Centre, Aqua Vale Swimming and Fitness Centre and Swan Pool and Leisure Centre will all re-open next Monday (12/4).
The sites, managed by sports and leisure operator Everyone Active in partnership with Buckinghamshire Council, will reopen their doors following a three-month closure due to the coronavirus pandemic.
The Government confirmed on Monday 5 April that leisure centres would be safe to reopen with strict operational measures in place.
This is the latest stage of the four-step roadmap plan and follows the reopening of several outdoor activities at Everyone Active sites on Monday 29 March.
The Government's roadmap includes detail on which facilities can reopen within each step, meaning some may not be available at the centre in the first instance. For details about which facilities can reopen in each step and the latest guidance, click here.
Everyone Active has committed to keeping its customers safe and active, ensuring it will meet and exceed Government guidelines to prevent the spread of Covid-19 with the Everyone Active Pledge.
While its 200 leisure centres across the country have been closed, Everyone Active has provided a comprehensive package of online workouts for people to use, along with live streamed classes across its social media pages.
Steve Salwa, Everyone Active's Chiltern contract manager, said:
"We're very much looking forward to reopening our centres and welcoming back the local community.
"After being closed for three months, the latest step in the Government's Roadmap is a positive move forward for the leisure industry and gives people of all ages the opportunity to resume activity and exercise in their leisure centre.
Chris Williams, Everyone Active's Aylesbury contract manager, added:
"Ensuring our colleagues and customers remain safe continues to be our number one priority and we have carefully considered the strict measurements to ensure we adhere to the guidance.
"We will be contacting all customers directly over the coming days regarding the centres reopening. We look forward to welcoming everyone back and thank them for their patience."
Chesham and Chalfont Leisure Centre benefitted from a £4.5 million refurbishment programme, which was completed last December before being forced to close due to lockdown.
What happens next with lockdown easing?
12th April: shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions and outdoor hospitality venues
From 12th April at the earliest, shops, hairdressers, nail salons, libraries, outdoor attractions, including zoos, and outdoor hospitality venues will be permitted to reopen.
12th April: Beer gardens reopen
From 12th April, outdoor beer gardens will also be allowed to reopen.
12th April: Gyms reopen
Gyms are expected to reopen from 12th April.
17th May: Indoor mixing
From 17th May at earliest, two households or groups of up to six people can mix indoors and limited crowds will be allowed to return to sporting events. Children's play areas will be opened alongside hotels, and limited groups will be allowed in theatres.
17th May: Possible foreign travel
Foreign travel may be permitted from 17th May.
17th May: Indoor hospitality
Indoor hospitality including pubs and restaurants could reopen from 17th May.
21st June: Nightclubs could reopen
From 21st June all remaining restrictions on social distancing could be lifted, and larger events may be allowed to resume, including theatres. Nightclubs may also be allowed to reopen.
21st June: Bigger weddings
Bigger wedding celebrations may be permitted from 21st June.