More details announced of when Hartlepool leisure centres will reopen

Hartlepool Borough Council is stepping up preparations for a phased reopening of facilities at Mill House Leisure Centre, Headland Sports Centre, Brierton Sports Centre and Summerhill Visitor Centre and Country Park.

A new website has also gone live featuring a range of information for people keen to get back to exercise.

Outdoor fitness classes at Brierton Sports Centre and Summerhill Country Park began on Monday, July 20.

Brierton Sports Centre Gym (relocated in the Sports Hall), 3G pitch, all weather games area and dance studio is due to reopen the week commencing August 3.

Mill House Leisure Centre including the swimming pools and sports hall is due to reopen the week of August 10 and be available for club training and bookings.

In the week beginning August 17, Headland Sports Centre is due to reopen for indoor fitness classes and court bookings.

And Summerhill Visitor Centre's indoor activity programme including fitness classes is set to resume the same week.

Ian Gardiner, Head of Leisure, Recreation and Participation, said: “We are really excited about being able to re-open very soon, and we look forward to once again seeing our many loyal customers.

“A warm welcome also awaits anyone thinking of taking up exercise to get fitter and healthier after such an extensive period of lockdown.

“We want people to make the comeback to our facilities with confidence, and the information on the new dedicated web aims to reassure them that the safety of customers and staff is our top priority.”

Safety measures being put in place at the facilities include staff training on Covid-19 management, new signage throughout buildings guiding customers on where to go and what to do, and new ‘gold standard’ cleaning procedures.

Specialist decontamination equipment will ensure that gym facilities are safe to use and there will be restrictions on the number of people allowed to take part in activities and requiring them to always book in advance.

Staff members will also be on hand at the entrance to facilities to welcome and guide customers.

For more information visit https://www.gethartlepoolactive.co.uk/covid-19-info

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