Rivermead leisure centre to-reopen next week

Rivermead leisure centre will re-open next week, after four months of closure due to the coronavirus pandemic, while plans for council-run centres have also been revealed.

The government announced last week that indoor pools, leisure centres and gyms can open from July 25, while outdoor sports facilities have now been able to re-open since Saturday (July 11).

READ MORE: Carnival future to be decided next week - police say it should lose licence

Better have announced a phased re-opening of the Riverside Leisure Complex and Gym, with fitness classes, the gym and swimming back at Rivermead on July 25, and other facilities to follow later. 

There will be changes at the leisure centre, including:

• Reducing equipment within gym areas to allow for social distancing
• Relocation of some fitness classes to sports halls or outdoor areas where available
• Limiting the number of customers allowed within the facility at any one time
• Pre-booked activity sessions for all customers
• Enhanced cleaning and providing sanitising materials for members to use on equipment
• Limited changing room access with members asked to change at home when possible

Reading Borough Council (RBC) said its leisure centres – Meadway, South Reading and Palmer Park – will reopen only when it feels it is safe to do so.

READ MORE: Latest on introduction of food waste collection – new schedule revealed

A spokesman for the council said: “We are working to reopen our leisure facilities as soon as possible, with safety at the forefront of our plans.

“Although July 25 has been set nationally as the earliest date these venues can open, in the interest of protecting the public and staff, we’ve decided to reopen only when we are fully satisfied all necessary safety measures are in place.

“We are following guidance from both central government and sport governing bodies to ensure we minimise risks. Further updates will be provided soon.”