Leisure centres to reopen thanks to support

Harborough District Council has agreed to provide additional investment to leisure operator Everyone Active which means that Market Harborough Leisure Centre and Lutterworth Sports Centre (pictured) can reopen following the huge challenges of the recent national lockdown introduced due to the coronavirus pandemic.

From Saturday, the gyms and group exercise classes will reopen at Harborough Leisure Centre and Lutterworth Sports Centre, and the bookable lane swimming sessions will restart from 20 August, with swimming lessons recommencing on 22 August 2020. 

The period of closure placed many leisure operators across the country under pressure as income streams effectively ceased, whilst the costs of maintaining facilities during the closure continued.

Social distancing measures being put in place, to restrict the number of customers using a facility at any one time, may also impact on revenue.

Recommendations from Harborough District Cabinet’s meeting of 6 July 2020, adjourned to 14 July 2020, to provide the support measures were agreed by Council on 27 July 2020.

The Council said it was important to help get leisure centres open as quickly as possible to provide opportunities for residents to take part in a wide range of physical activity.

Cllr Simon Whelband, Harborough District Council’s Cabinet lead for Wellbeing, Communities & Housing, said: “This devastating pandemic has impacted on so many sectors – particularly the leisure industry – and it was agreed we should offer extra support at this time. We’ve heard on the national news this week the importance of exercise, particularly at this time, and I am pleased that we have been able to help leisure centres reopen and once again show that we are committed to working together to improve the health and wellbeing of local people.”

Everyone Active runs Market Harborough Leisure Centre and Lutterworth Sport Centre on behalf of Harborough District Council.

Other local authorities, whose leisure centres are managed by Everyone Active, are also considering whether to provide additional financial support.

In a statement on its website Everyone Active said: “We’re really looking forward to re-opening our doors and welcoming all our customers and colleagues back to our centres. We’ve been overwhelmed by the support we’ve received, and we’re delighted to see that many of you have been remaining active whilst on lockdown.”

Take part in online physical activity sessions at www.everyoneactive.com/workout-plans