Town's leisure centres getting ready to open from 25 July following council support

Hastings' leisure centres will reopen from 25 July after a cabinet decision last week to provide Freedom Leisure, the not-for-profit trust who run the facilities on behalf of the council, with the financial support they needed to continue to provide these services.

Following the government announcement last week allowing leisure centres to reopen from 25 July and the cabinet decision to provide the required support, Freedom Leisure are busy putting in place safety measures at the town's centres, in line with government guidance. 
Ivan Horsfall-Turner, Managing Director of Freedom Leisure, said:

"We are delighted with the Government announcement that means your leisure centres in Hastings can reopen on 25 July. We are grateful for the support from Hastings Borough Council who clearly recognise the importance of their leisure service to the health and wellbeing of the residents of Hastings.

"A lot of planning and work has already been done, and our focus is on making sure our centres are ready and provide the reassurance our customers need to return - their wellbeing and that of our staff is at the heart of our preparations to reopen.

"Things are going to be a little different, we have put together a short video which is on our r website and social media channels which shows the six most important things for customers to know and remember so they can come prepared and ready.

"We know how important these facilities are in helping residents lead active lifestyles, including building on positive new habits and helping those who have struggled to access exercise over the past months.
"We will be posting more updates over the coming days about what customers can expect and the details of the reopening of the centres on our social media feeds and website."

Cllr Maya Evans, lead councillor for leisure, said:

"The council really appreciates the importance of physical health both for mental wellbeing, as well as good fitness, which contributes to a strengthened immune system and the added ability to fight illnesses. The priority for us is to have fitness facilities ready for re-opening, as soon as Government deemed it safe.

"We know how important these facilities and the services they offer are to residents and we know they have been really missed over these past few months. Our leisure centres are community hubs, they are places where we come together; they are as much about social as physical wellbeing. The reopening of the centres will also help tackle issues of social-isolation and help communities reconnect.

"Freedom Leisure ensure that the centres provide affordable services and facilities for all ages and abilities. They provide vital physical and mental health benefits to residents, benefits which this pandemic has highlighted the crucial importance of.

"It is for these reasons that the council decided to provide Freedom Leisure with the support it needed to continue to operate these services."