Improvements at Leisure Centres
A £59,000 programme of improvements has been completed at two of Hambleton’s leisure centres during lockdown.
All four of the district council’s centres - in Northallerton, Thirsk, Bedale and Stokesley – reopen to the public this week (Saturday July 25), 125 days after the coronavirus pandemic forced closure.
But those four months have seen a new reception built at Stokesley to create a more welcoming and contemporary environment for customers. And at Northallerton the pool was emptied to allow a specialist deep clean of the tiles and the flume has been given a new look.
Essential maintenance work was carried out, it was repainted and lights have been installed to enhance the experience for users. Unfortunately due to COVID-19 restrictions the flume will not be reopening until further notice, when guidance allows.
“Lockdown has seen us use the time to undertake work on our centres – they are all in top condition and just waiting for opening on Saturday,” said Councillor Bridget Fortune, spokesperson for leisure.
“All the buildings are now Covid safe and we have introduced a range of measures including social distancing restrictions to protect our customers and the leisure team. Our centres are a vital part of Hambleton playing an important role in the physical and mental wellbeing of our residents so we are delighted to be able to reopen once more.”
She said that hand sanitisers have been installed, glass screens fitted at receptions and safety and usage guidance displayed. And each centre will be subject to more cleaning, more often.
All four swimming pools and gyms will open on July 25 as well as Northallerton’s toning suite, and fitness classes will start up once more. However numbers will be restricted for all facilities in order to comply with social distancing measures. Other sports and activities will be phased in following government and national governing body guidance.
Information on reopening plans, opening hours and advice for customers is available on the leisure centre social media pages – Northallerton Leisure Centre, Thirsk and Sowerby Leisure Centre, Bedale Leisure Centre and Stokesley Leisure Centre; on the ‘Zest’ app (available on the app store and google play); and here: