Gyms, pools and leisure centres reopen – collective responsibility 'crucial' for safe operations
Health clubs, swimming pools, leisure centres and other indoor sports facilities have reopened to the public for the first time since March.
In order to reopen legally, gyms and leisure facilities must meet the requirements set out by the government's official guidance (titled Operating safely during COVID-19 for providers of grassroots sport and gym/leisure facilities, click here to read), which includes a focus on maintaining social distancing and cleanliness.
Some operators, such as David Lloyd Clubs and Trib3, took the opportunity to throw open their doors at the earliest opportunity – at midnight on 25 July.
One of the sites to open early was the Trib3 studio in Sheffield, which opened shortly after midnight.
"Trib3 Sheffield was among the first fitness facilities to open in the UK, following lockdown, with a 00.15am one-of-a-kind class," said Kevin Yates, CEO.
"The session was fully booked – to physical distancing guidelines.
"The rest of the day at the studio was also fully booked, with waiting lists across our UK studios."
At David Lloyd Club's Hampton site, members queued up in the night to be welcomed back by staff, before taking part in a Blaze-branded HIIT class.
Glenn Earlam, CEO at David Lloyd Clubs, said: “It’s been a long time coming. We didn’t want to wait a second longer than necessary to mark this moment, and that’s why we’ve held what we believe is England’s very first post-lockdown indoor exercise class – which has taken place at midnight exactly 126 days since our last classes.
"To see our members back in the club at David Lloyd Hampton after all this time was a fantastic moment and we can’t wait to see the rest of our members now return to enjoy our premium health, fitness and wellbeing facilities.”
As facilities return to operations, all eyes will be on attendance levels, as operators seek to gauge the public's appetite for returning to fitness following the lockdown.
Publicly listed operator, The Gym Group (TGG), has said it has retained 80 per cent of its members during lockdown, while internal research shows it expects 92 per cent to return.
Not all operators, however, have restarted operations. While leisure centres can now open, roughly a third of England's publicly-owned facilities have remained shut.
According to Community Leisure UK, almost half of all public leisure facilities (48 per cent) are at risk of permanent closure by the end of the year without financial support from the government.
It is also feared that a "second wave" nationally – or smaller outbreaks of COVID-19 locally – could cause a setback and force further closures.
Culture minister, Oliver Dowden, said that the government is monitoring the situation and would act quickly to implement local lockdowns, such as the one in the city of Leicester.
"If there is any evidence of an escalation of COVID-19, we would not hesitate to take action, including local lockdowns," he said.
To assist safe operations and to help prevent infections, the government has published operational guidance for those working across the reopened sectors, which can be read here.
Industry body ukactive has called for the physical activity sector to demonstrate the "highest standards of health and safety" – and reinforced the collective responsibility and accountability of operators to follow the government’s guidance.
“Our members now have the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment, responsibility and accountability for public health, by maintaining the highest possible standards of health and safety," said ukactive CEO Huw Edwards.
“While reopening is an important milestone, we are not yet out of the woods and some facilities and services will remain closed due to the ongoing financial pressures and restrictions caused by COVID-19."
UK Community Leisure Trib3 David Lloyd ukactive reopen Glenn Earlam Kevin Yates Huw EdwardsUK should follow the US in allowing gyms on the high street
Tax breaks and 'Workout from Work' scheme would power rebound of gym sector
Studio manager highjacks government NHS posters to promote exercise – creates viral sensation
BIG unveils Eve Music Hall as Croatia venue nears completion
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
Wellness care hospital opens in Vilnius with innovative spa and hospitality concept
Universal and Puy du Fou projects point to rise of Oxford–Cambridge corridor
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’ planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism investment.
For years, the corridor has been associated primarily with science, technology, housing and university-led economic growth. However, the clustering of large-scale visitor attraction projects along the
All-inclusive eco-wellness development Auko to open near Vietnam’s Son Doong caves
Shedd Aquarium upgrades its visitor experience with new Immersion Theater
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx-Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional revenue opportunities.
The attraction has transformed the aquarium’s Phelps Auditorium into a multi-sensory venue combining panoramic projection, environmental effects and interactive technology.
A new pre-show area allows visitors to engage with augmented reality marine animals before entering the
Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
MCR is planning a luxury hotel for London's BT Tower
Joy as a radical act: Yinka Ilori launches solo exhibition celebrating the rebellious power of spreading happiness
Work gets underway on Madrid's €800 million leisure complex
Work is underway in Madrid on one of Europe’s most significant multi-functional complexes, combining sport, entertainment, culture and education.
The €800 million initiative to regenerate the former Olympic Aquatic Centre in the north-east of the city, next to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium, is being led by Barsento – a joint venture between Live Nation Entertainment, Oak View Group and Atlético de Madrid. The project will
Therme Manchester reveals 90:90 strategy – 90 per cent of the UK population within a 90-minute drive of a Therme
Four Seasons’ Naples Beach Club opens 2,800sq m Sanctuary spa inspired by indigenous Calusa people
Orient Express Corinthian to host Ocean Rebirth wellness retreat in collaboration with Guerlain
Famed London nightclub, Tramp, launches Tramp Health
First look: Miraval opens on the Red Sea in Saudi Arabia
Hainan Science Museum by Ma Yansong, opens in China
A new science museum has opened to the public in Haikou after attracting more than 350,000 visitors during a four-month soft opening period.
Designed by Ma Yansong and his practice MAD Architects, the Hainan Science Museum is located on the edge of Wuyuan River National Wetland Park and has already recorded peak attendance of more than 5,800 visitors in a single day.
Commissioned by
Zannier Île De Bendor launches with design by Hardel Le Bihan Architectes
Sæl Spa readies for launch in London: “a modern British sanctuary”
Immersive art bathhouse Submersive announces debut location in Austin
Construction begins on regenerative wellness destination The Shenandoah Nature Resort
Royal Caribbean reveals record-breaking cruise ship
V&A East opens in London
David Geffen galleries open at LACMA
New venue The Lands by Capella includes a longevity centre to complement sister hotel Capella Sydney
World of Frozen launches at Disneyland Paris
Pical Resort by Valamar reveals first Croatian spa under the ESPA brand
Mandarin Oriental creates end-to-end Egyptian journey with two new hotels and first-ever luxury river cruise
Designers Mendil + Meyer launch new division called Lām Concepts for strategic wellness projects
Wilderness Bisate in Rwanda reveals brand’s second Sanctuary spa
4a Architekten shares details of wellness extension at Salinarium Bad Dürkheim Thermal Spa
