Leisure centres reopen in Lambeth

Leisure centres and gyms in Lambeth are reopening today, July 25.

Better Leisure, the charitable social enterprise that operates nine complexes in the borough, has opened gyms, studios and pools at Brixton Recreation Centre, Clapham Leisure Centre, Streatham Ice and Leisure Centre, West Norwood Healthy Living Centre, Flaxman Sports Centre, Vauxhall Leisure Centre and Herne Hill Lifestyle Centre.

Facilities at Ferndale and Archbishops Park will open at a later date.

Following Covid Secure guidance, anyone wishing to use the facilities will need to pre-book a one hour time slot via the Better app or website.

Inside centres, signage and floor markings will assist with one-way access and social distancing. 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.

Swim customers are requested to arrive ‘beach ready’ with their costume on under their clothes to save time and reduce pressure on change areas. Gym and studio customers will be encouraged to bring their own drinking water – and shower and change at home.

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 facilities within Lambeth for the foreseeable future.

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.

Jeremy Lake  Partnership Manager, Better said: “After nearly four months of lockdown, we are delighted to finally have the green light for reopening our leisure facilities in a phased fashion.

 “Keeping people safe is now a shared responsibility and our top priority. As a leisure operator we will be working in partnership with customers to ensure their visit is safe.  This means things will look a little different, there will be no walk-ups and all visits must be pre-booked.

 “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.”

“We look forward to seeing you soon.”

Cllr Donatus Anyanwu, Cabinet Members for Voluntary Sector and Leisure, said: “We welcome Better’s plans for the centres they run on our behalf, and am sure our residents will find it reassuring that a cautious approach is being taken to ensure their safety.

“During this unprecedented and incredibly challenging time have worked closely with Better throughout. The steps introduced for a phased re-opening from Saturday in response to the lockdown easing are sensible and proportionate.”

Information about the reopening is at:  https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centres