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Residents in South Tyneside can get active again with the reopening of Council leisure centres from Monday (27 July).

Â鶹ÊÓƵ's leisure centres closed in March in line with Government restrictions to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Now that restrictions have relaxed, the Council is preparing to reopen all of its leisure sites with a revised swim, gym and fitness class offer. Facilities are also returning with a new look, boasting more space, more sessions and more choice.

New measures are also being put in place to ensure that visitor numbers comply with government guidance. As such, all sessions will be time-limited with users required to book their sessions in advance. Bookings are being taken over the phone from this Saturday (25 July), with priority given to direct debit members and Get Active discount card holders.

Councillor Tracey Dixon, Deputy Leader of Â鶹ÊÓƵ, said: "We know that people are keen to get back into fitness and start enjoying the Borough's sports and leisure facilities once again. Its extremely important for both physical and mental health and wellbeing, especially after such a prolonged period at home.

"Our leisure teams have been working incredibly hard behind the scenes. They have been phenomenal while redeployed to our Covid-19 Support Hub, helping some of our most vulnerable residents, as well as carefully planning how we reopen our leisure centres safely.

"We're now delighted to be able to welcome back leisure customers as we resume our core activities. Although our centres are returning, services will run a little differently than before."

Saunas and steam rooms must stay closed in line with Government guidance and other group-based activities will remain suspended at this time.

To maximise pool space available to the public at Haven Point and Hebburn Central, a range of swimming club activities are being relocated to Jarrow Pool. There will also be limited access to changing rooms and showers for swimmers and the hair drying station will be unavailable at this time.

Customers are encouraged to arrive 'beach ready' with swim suits under their clothes to help keep time in changing areas to a minimum.

Extra fitness classes are being scheduled due to the limited numbers allowed in each class, bringing the total to 172 instructor-led sessions a week. The virtual fitness offer has also been improved with the introduction of The Trip - a new Les Mills class at Haven Point.

Gym space has also been overhauled to make it easier for people to maintain social distancing. The gym at Hebburn Central will now be located on the ground floor, while Temple Park will see two distinct areas designed to gym activity.

Gym and class users are encouraged to arrive ready in their sports kit and to shower and change at home, as changing areas and showers will be closed to them at this time. Sanitiser and wipes will be provided for people to clean equipment before and after use and those attending fitness classes must bring their own yoga/Pilates mats.

Additional measures across leisure centres include new signage reminding people of the current requirements, hand sanitising points and a new enhanced cleaning regime will be in operation.

Cafes, seating areas and toilets will be available for centre users only. Spectators will not be allowed on site at this time.

Councillor Dixon said: "The measures we have put in place support the latest Government guidance around social distancing and good hand hygiene practices. However, we do need leisure users to support us by respecting the rules, be responsible and take extra care to help keep themselves, their families and others safe.

"We will be monitoring the situation very closely over the first few weeks of reopening and will look to re-introduce other activities as soon as we can. We thank our leisure users for their patience, understanding and support at this time."

Sessions MUST be booked in advance, with priority given to those with Multi and Duo memberships and Get Active card holders. While centres reopen on 27 July, direct debit payments will not resume until 1 September, giving members free use of the facilities while they familiarise themselves with the new arrangements. For other users, contactless payment is preferred at this time. Non-members can only book on the same day subject to availability.

Bookings will be taken over the phone from Saturday 25 July at:

• Haven Point - 0191 424 7800;
• Hebburn Central - 0191 424 7801;
• Temple Park Centre - 0191 456 9119;
• Jarrow Focus - 0191 489 4100;
• Monkton Stadium - 0191 489 1283.

Comprehensive information about leisure centres reopening, memberships, the facilities available, booking instructions and what people should do before their visit, is available on the Council's website at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/leisure

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