WOODLEY leisure centres are set to reopen next month along with the new multi-million pound Bulmershe facility in the town.
Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) and its leisure contractor Places Leisure have announced it will reopen Loddon Valley Leisure Centre, Earley, along with St Crispin's Leisure Centre in Wokingham, Arborfield Leisure Centre and Ryeish Green Sports Hub on Monday, August 3.
The eagerly awaited Bulmershe Leisure Centre will open its doors for the very first time on August 17.
It will open several weeks after the other centres in the borough to ensure all new gym equipment is installed and staff are recruited and fully trained.
Ahead of the opening next month, the council is offering residents the chance to take a tour of the new centre. These will take place on:
· Tuesday, August 4 between 5pm and 9pm
· Thursday, August 6 between 5pm and 9pm
· Saturday, August 8 between 9am to 4pm
· Sunday, August 9 between 9am to 4pm
· Tuesday, August 11 between 5pm and 9pm
· Thursday, August 13 between 5pm and 9pm
· Saturday, August 15 between 9am to 4pm
· Sunday, August 16 between 9am to 4pm
Places must be booked in advance and tours will be given to individuals or one household at a time and strict social distancing will need to be adhered to.
Anyone interested in joining a tour should visit the council's eventbrite webpage to book a place.
Cllr Parry Batth, executive member for environment and leisure, said: “We are really pleased the government has now eased COVID-19 restrictions, meaning that indoor gym and leisure centres can now reopen.
"However, COVID-19 hasn’t gone away and it’s important that we continue to social distance and keep up good hygiene practices.
"We are busy working behind the scenes preparing the centres to open safely on August 3. The centres will look and feel a bit different for a while but that is to ensure all our customers and staff are protected. Strict measures will be been put in place to ensure cleanliness and safety and we would encourage people to familiarise themselves with how the centres will operate.
“We can’t wait to welcome you back. Our leisure centres are key to ensuring our residents stay fit and active. "We know that being physically fit and healthy also has a positive impact on our mental wellbeing.”
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Tony Penge, contract manager for Places Leisure, said: "It is great to be able to announce that our leisure facilities can now re-open for our local community to enjoy.
"The centres’ staff have been hard at work ensuring vital safety measures are in place for yours and our teams safety – which is paramount.
“Our leisure centres are at the heart of our communities and we look forward to welcoming you back safely to enjoy our facilities once more.”
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