£140,000 boost as leisure centres prepare to reopen
The district's leisure centres have received a £140,000 funding boost as they prepare to reopen their doors to customers.
The money comes from the Government's National Leisure Recovery Fund, which supports the recovery of publicly owned leisure centres and gyms from the Covid-19 pandemic.
Freedom Leisure, which runs Malvern Hills District Council's leisure centres, is preparing to open their doors on 12 April as part of the Government's lockdown easing road map.
It is a doubly exciting time for the team as it will also be the first chance for people to experience the new look Malvern Splash following a £2million revamp.
Centres at Dyson Perrins and Sport Martley will also be reopening.
Coronavirus restrictions mean not all activities will be available. Group exercise classes won't be able to restart until May and or family fun swim sessions. This means some of the new features of the Splash won't be available straightaway but the pool will be available for lane swimming from 12 April as will most other activities including the gym, racket sports and children's swimming lessons.
Cllr Sarah Rouse, Leader of Malvern Hills District Council, said: "The pandemic has had a significant impact on the leisure sector and while this money is welcome, it is only a fraction of what we have spent supporting our leisure centres so they can reopen from 12 April. If the Government is serious about helping people improve their health and wellbeing post-Covid-19, then we need to see much more central funding for our leisure centres.
"That said I am excited our leisure centres will finally be reopening and for people to get their first look at the new Malvern Splash. Helping our residents to improve their physical and mental wellbeing is an important part of our district's overall recovery from pandemic and our leisure centres have an important part to play."
Ivan Horsfall Turner, Managing Director of Freedom Leisure, said: "The last year has been a significant challenge for the leisure industry and our role in providing the local communities across Malvern with access to health, fitness and wellbeing opportunities has never been more important. The funding secured with Malvern District Council's support will help us to reopen and Our teams are excited to get back to providing our local communities with opportunities for exercise, activity and the chance to socialise safely."
Tenbury Community Swimming Pool, which isn't owned by the council but is run by Freedom Leisure on behalf of the community, will also benefit from the recovery funding. The pool is also due to reopen on 12 April.
Visit www.freedom-leisure.co.uk for more information or search for your local leisure centre on Facebook.