Swansea council leisure centres prepare to open Monday

LEISURE centres across Swansea, including the LC, are set to open next week – and the focus of staff will be on welcoming back their customers and ensuring their experience is a good one.

The centres, run by Freedom Leisure for Swansea Council, closed temporarily in late March due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The easing of Welsh Government restrictions means they will start to reopen in a careful phased manner on Monday (note: August 10).

Freedom Leisure Area Manager Nic Beggs said: “Our message to members and other customers is: Your health matters.

“We’ll be putting a close focus on their fitness, their wellbeing and their motivation to lead a healthy lifestyle.

“We’re going to get started early on Museum Green next to the LC this Saturday with an outside class. There’ll be lots of members – in line with social distancing restrictions – and they’ll be live on the LC Facebook page.

“We can’t wait to welcome customers back even though our facilities will look a little different to ensure we can keep people safe – which will help to keep Swansea safe. We’re working hard on getting more services up and running as swiftly and safely as possible.”

“My team have been great during a difficult period. They’re fully refreshed – and briefed on our new ways of working – and are ready to go!”

Freedom suspended all memberships when lockdown began and, from Monday, will reactivate five of their Swansea sites.

Current members will be offered the remainder of August at no charge and a September at half-price membership.

Those that left Freedom membership just before or during lockdown will have a special re-joining offer.

Robert Francis-Davies, the council’s cabinet member for investment, regeneration and tourism, said: “We have a strong partnership with Freedom Leisure and are been pleased to continue supporting them through this crisis.

“The phased reopening of our leisure centres is a big step and they will reopen with a measured and safe approach in order to build up the confidence and business over a number of months.

“As the centres now start to reopen, the residents of Swansea have the chance to use them again and lead a healthy lifestyle.”

The priority is to keep customers and staff safe so although things will be a little different, standards remain high.

Whether you’re planning to hit the gym, grab a swim or take part in a class, Freedom ask that everyone books their visit in advance.

Social distancing is important as is hand washing or sanitising during every visit – and wiping down equipment after use.

Freedom asks for understanding from customers as staff adapt to the new way of operating under the new guidelines. With everyone following the new procedures, the centres will be able to stay open and extend their offering as the weeks’ pass, bringing the community together once again – safely.

Each centre is producing a video to show customers what they can expect when they return to their local Freedom Leisure centre. These will be shared on the Freedom website and on social media.

New opening times, class programmes and what to expect at the site is all now available on Freedom web pages.

Opening from next week:

LC – Gym and classes, sports hall, coffee shop – www.bit.ly/LCreopen

Bishopston Sports Centre – most facilities, including the gym and classes – www.bit.ly/BishopstonReopen

Morriston Leisure Centre – booked gym sessions and classes – www.bit.ly/MorristonReopen

Penlan Leisure Centre – booked classes, gym sessions and swimming – www.bit.ly/PenlanReopen

Penyrheol Leisure Centre – booked classes and gym sessions – www.bit.ly/PenyrheolReopen

also:

Cefn Hengoed – www.bit.ly/CefnBackSoon

Elba – www.bit.ly/ElbaBackSoon

What to expect video: www.bit.ly/ReopenVideo

Online LC gym and fitness class bookings: www.thelcswansea.com/online-booking

Class or gym session bookings for community sites:

Download the MyWellness app and link it to your facility using:

• Penyrheol – www.mywellness.com/penyrheollc
• Bishopston – www.www.mywellness.com/bishopstonlc
• Penlan – https://mywellness.com/penlanlc
• Morriston – www.mywellness.com/morristonlc