'Day so many have been waiting for' as Hucknall gym reopens

Hucknall Leisure Centre will reopen its gyms and group exercise studios on Saturday, August 1.

All other facilities, including swimming pools, will reopen thereafter and dates will be announced in the coming weeks.

The news comes after centre was forced to close for almost four months due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Councillor Kier Barsby, portfolio holder for health and leisure, said: “We know how many people value sports and fitness as an important part of their lifestyle.

"This is a day that so many people have been waiting for.

"Many of us have missed being able to visit our leisure centre and are keen to get back to enjoying the fitness classes and swimming pool.

“However, we understand that Covid-19 has not disappeared and we must therefore be vigilant and follow the rules in place.

“We have been working closely with Everyone Active, who runs the centre, to get everything ready to reopen.

"Strict measures have been put in place to ensure the cleanliness and safety, including measures for social distancing, new booking systems, hygiene and sanitation, risk assessments, fogging and so on.

“We will continue to ensure customers feel safe when visiting.”

Simon Fearn, Everyone Active’s regional contract manager, said: “We’re very much looking forward to reopening and welcoming back the local community.

"Giving people the opportunity to resume activity and exercise in their leisure centre will go a long way to maintaining the good health of local communities.

“We’ve been overwhelmed with the support we have received from customers during these unprecedented times, and we’re so grateful.

"Like many other industries, leisure has been greatly affected by the lockdown.

“Ensuring our colleagues and customers remain safe is our number one priority and we have carefully considered the strict measurements to ensure we adhere to the guidance.

"We look forward to welcoming everyone back and thanking them for their patience.”