Key workers set to be first in new look Riverside pool and health suite

Published: 16 July 2021

Key workers who did so much to help the city through the Coronavirus pandemic will be first to use the new look facilities at the Riverside Leisure Centre next week.

The pool and health suite will reopen to the public on Saturday July 24, following a massive rebuilding and repair programme.

But the day before, Friday July 23, will be dedicated to NHS staff and frontline workers in recognition of everything they have done – and continue to do - for residents in the city.

Key workers were approached with the free offer to use the facilities by the Council’s Exeter Leisure team, and all available spaces throughout the day quickly filled up.

Cllr Duncan Wood, Lead Councillor for Leisure and Physical Activity, said: “This is a small thank you to the people who made such a difference to our lives - helping us get through the various lockdowns.

“As well as frontline NHS staff, a lot of people helped us through this pandemic, emergency services, retail workers, deliveries, a small army of community volunteers and more. I am just so pleased that with this gesture we can say a big thank you on behalf of everyone in the city.”

The Key Worker Day will be followed by a family fun weekend, which is also now fully booked.  

The huge transformation programme at Riverside has created new changing areas and first floor changing rooms, with new tiling, wall cladding, cubicles, new health suite which has been rebuilt with a steam room, sauna and spa pool, and new coinless lockers as well as a fresh new look throughout.

Download the Exeter Leisure app to stay up to date with the latest information, to find out more about our leisure services and memberships, visit our Leisure Centre page.