Phased reopening of Exeter’s leisure facilities announced
Published: 21 July 2020
The Council’s leisure facilities will begin a phased reopening from September, it has been revealed.
The Government recently announced that the earliest leisure centres and indoor pools can open is July 25.
Government guidance is now being assessed on how to safely reopen facilities, and it will take time and planning to put the necessary measures in place to ensure that when people do return, they are able to safely enjoy them.
Each centre, and the facilities within it, will require detailed assessments to ensure that when they reopen it is completely safe for staff and users.
Council Leader Phil Bialyk said the health and safety of staff and customers is the top priority.
He said: “Our intention is to take over the running of leisure services from September. It is a big challenge but also an exciting one.
“We will not be able to reopen them straight away. There is a lot of work to be done and we want to make sure that when we do reopen these facilities they are completely safe.
“We also want to improve them, so we are planning a phased reopening from September. I can assure everybody that the City Council is working hard to open the doors as soon as it is safe to do so.”
The Council is recommending that the running of leisure services in Exeter is taken in house from September 1. A phased reopening of facilities will take place after this date.
Detailed assessments will take place at Exeter Arena and the ISCA Centre, Riverside (dry side), Northbrook pool, Pyramids swimming pool and leisure centre and Wonford sports centre.
The brand new state-of-the-art St Sidwell’s Point and the refurbished Riverside pool will be open to the public next year.
Significant sums of money are being invested into new and improved facilities, and although the immediate term is very challenging, in the longer term, the Council expects to be able to increase its customer base in the refurbished and new facilities, which will provide a quality and safe environment.
More details of opening times and how to book places at the Council’s leisure facilities will be released in due course.