Wellington Sports Centre, which is managed by sports and leisure operator Everyone Active in partnership with Somerset West and Taunton Council will reopen its doors tomorrow, 25 July for gym access and fitness classes. The swimming pool remains closed for the time being.
The news comes after the facilities were forced to close for almost four months due to the coronavirus pandemic. Other facilities and activities across the Taunton area leisure centres will follow in a phased approach and members will be updated as dates are confirmed.
The Government update on 9 July confirmed leisure centres were now safe to reopen facilities, with strict operational measures in place. Everyone Active procedures will ensure social distancing is managed throughout the centres and regular cleaning is maintained.
Mark Washington, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said: “We’re very much looking forward to reopening the centres and welcoming back the local community. After being closed for nearly four months, this latest announcement from Government is the news the leisure industry has been eagerly awaiting. Giving people the opportunity to resume activity and exercise in their leisure centre will go a long way to maintaining the good health of local communities.
“Ensuring our colleagues and customers remain safe is 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 thanking them for their patience.”
Cllr Richard Lees, Executive Member for Leisure at SWT, said: “I am delighted that as the lockdown eases our leisure centres are opening again in accordance with leading practice from sports’ governing bodies. Whilst it will necessarily be very different we are hoping to get all our activities back as soon as we can.
“We want people to enjoy all the health benefits that our leisure centres can offer, however, those who use these facilities must remember to stick to social distancing and hygiene guidelines. This is so important for the safety of everyone in our communities to minimise the spread of this virus.”
Everyone Active reopened Vivary Golf and Adventure Centre in May following the Prime Minister’s announcement that some lockdown measures could be eased, including access to more sports, including golf, fishing, and tennis.