GLL, the charitable social enterprise that operates ‘Better’ leisure facilities across Cardiff on behalf of Cardiff City Council, has today (5 August) announced its plans for a phased re-opening of leisure centres from Tuesday 11th August 2020. Monday 10th of August will be a live training day for staff and invited members only.
In the initial reopening phase, gyms, studio space and work out areas will re-open at the following locations on Tuesday 11th of August:
- Eastern Leisure Centre
- Fairwater Leisure Centre
- Llanishen Leisure Centre
- Maindy Centre
- Western Leisure Centre
- Star Centre
Maindy, Star and Fairwater Centres will also open their pools for lane swimming and adult and child sessions in Phase 1 on Tuesday 11th August.
Everyone must book in advance before attending one of the centres due to Covid-secure measures being in place which means phased entrances and controlling capacity at the venues. People wishing to use the facilities will need to pre-book a time slot via the Better UK app or via the website. Bookings go live tomorrow (Thursday) and full communication will be issued to members this week outlining the new processes.
Equipment within gym areas will be reduced to ensure that 2 metres social distancing between users is maintained, while some fitness classes will be relocated to sports halls or even, weather permitting, the open air. All swimming Pools will operate with double width lanes. Staff will be adopting a new, enhanced cleaning regime, while customers will be asked to wipe down the equipment that they have used. Hand sanitiser will be available throughout leisure centre buildings.
All Better members will be given access to all Better-operated facilities within Cardiff for the foreseeable future. Members of centres that aren’t re-opening in the initial phase, such as Pentwyn and Penylan will be able to use alternative facilities at no additional cost. They will also be given the option to continue to freeze their memberships as will any members who don’t feel confident returning to the centres initially or who might have health conditions that put them at higher risk of infection from Covid-19.
Rhys Jones, Head of Service for Cardiff, said:
“After nearly four months of lockdown, we’re delighted to finally be able to re-open six of our leisure facilities, albeit at reduced capacity initially. Our key priorities are to ensure customer and staff safety and build customer confidence. That’s why we’re phasing in our re-openings, to ensure that the systems we have put in place can be Covid-secure, working at an optimum level of customer safety, before we roll out further. We recognise that some people may be worried about returning to their local leisure facilities, so we will continue to offer free access to online fitness and exercises classes via our Better app.”
