Article Source: Renfrewshire Leisure
Last Updated: 26 August 2020 14:35
Safety is the priority as Renfrewshire Leisure confirms the careful restart of services at gyms and swimming pools after Covid-19 shutdown.
Details of the phased plans for gyms and swimming pools have been confirmed, along with news that members will not be charged any membership fees until November. This delay to restarting payments is to cover payments made in March but has been extended to thank supporters for their loyalty as the organisation moves into a significant phase in its recovery from the lockdown triggered by the Covid-19 pandemic.
On September 14th, ON-X in Linwood, the Lagoon Leisure Centre in Paisley, Renfrew Leisure Centre, Renfrew Victory Baths, Erskine Sports Centre and Erskine Swimming Pool will reopen, complying with all Scottish Government guidance on hygiene and physical distancing.
Shared leisure facilities at Park Mains High School in Erskine and at the Johnstone Community Sports Hub will open in a second phase, with strictly controlled public access. This will involve detailed health and safety reviews and will ensure there has been sufficient time to settle pupils and staff safely back to school. Planned investment work in maintenance of the swimming pool at Johnstone means that this part of the venue will not be ready to reopen alongside other areas of the site, but will follow later.
Some outside synthetic sports pitches will reopen to pre-existing club bookings on August 31st, although changing room facilities as well as smaller pavilions and gym facilities (at Seedhill, Ferguslie and Ralston) will remain closed for now as a result of challenging physical distancing requirements. Wider bookings - which must be made by phone - will be opened from September 14th. Full details are available at www.renfrewshireleisure.com/coronavirus/
Entrance to indoor leisure facilities and services will be by online pre-booking of time slots only. Clearly indicated hygiene measures will be in place at each venue, with details emailed to members and customers once bookings are made. More details about the online booking system will be provided ahead of opening.
Details on restarting the Learn to Swim programme are being reviewed. An update on this will be provided shortly.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon announced last week that the earliest possible date from which gyms and pools could reopen was August 31st. This confirmation has allowed the Renfrewshire Leisure team to review the latest Government guidance and enter the final phase of preparations to ensure customer and employee safety.
Victoria Hollows, Chief Executive of Renfrewshire Leisure, said: “We know how eager people are to enjoy the services in our venues once again and are looking forward to welcoming members and customers back as we work to help improve residents’ wellbeing across Renfrewshire. That’s why I am so pleased that we are able to help people invest in their health by continuing our freeze on members’ direct debit payments until November.
“While arrangements at our venues will be different to that which our communities are used to, we are sure that by working together and adhering to all of the guidelines in place that the gradual restart of our services will be enjoyable for everyone.”
Lisa-Marie Hughes, Chair of Renfrewshire Leisure, said: “The safe and phased restart of on-site services at our leisure centres and swimming pools is a major milestone in not only our charity’s careful route out of lockdown, but that of the communities we are proud to serve.
“Safety remains our number one priority. The dates and phased approach we have planned for the restart of our services reflect that, ensuring we will be in the strongest position to welcome people back in the safest way.”
Throughout lockdown, Renfrewshire Leisure has been operating an innovative programme of online services to help people stay fit and healthy. For more details about how to take part in them, go to www.renfrewshireleisure.com/rentv/ or follow the charity’s channels on social media.
Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has launched a new festive competition to name the puffin starring in its emotional Christmas advert.
READ MORE
Deco 2025, an exhibition celebrating the decorative arts, will take place in The Art Department's new home from Tuesday 2nd December until Saturday 20th December.
READ MORE
Scotland's premier retail destination, Braehead Shopping Centre, today announce that this Christmas they will again welcome the Young Enterprise Christmas Trade Fayre.
READ MORE
A family rollercoaster, giant snow globe, rides, stalls, street food and live entertainment makes Loch Lomond Shores FREE Christmas festival the perfect Christmas day out for all the family!
READ MORE
Zizzi has introduced a new food & drink menu across all its restaurants, launched a brand-new Zizzi app, and is giving 132 people free pasta for one year.
READ MORE
Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched some new offerings designed for memorable Christmas stays, spectacular Hogmanay celebrations, and cozy winter escapes.
READ MORE
Crowds turned out in Renfrew town centre on Saturday to see the town’s Christmas lights switched on for 2025!
READ MORE
Community groups, organisations and schools across Scotland are being invited to apply for grants of up to £100,000.
READ MORE
Renfrewshire will have a brand-new active play for all ages in the heart of the town after a contract was awarded to create the new facility in the Lagoon Leisure Centre.
READ MORE
A popular tourist spot in Renfrewshire is set to benefit as more than £700,000 is invested in a new cycle hub, information kiosk, public toilets and landscaping improvements.
READ MORE
From frosty gardens to cosy tearooms, National Trust for Scotland places in Glasgow and the West are offering a host of winter experiences and special events this festive season.
READ MORE
January needn't be a drag as Scotland's brand-new adult panto, The Wizard Wae The Big Bawz, hits the road, arriving just when the country needs a burst of joy!
READ MORE
Towns across Renfrewshire will officially mark the start of the festive season as the Christmas lights are due to be switched on over the coming weeks.
READ MORE
Crowds headed to Paisley town centre to mark the beginning of the festive season at the town's annual Christmas Lights Switch-On event.
READ MORE
Fresh new pyjamas are a Christmas essential, and Renfrewshire’s Provost Lorraine Cameron is looking for your help to make sure every child feels cosy and warm this Christmas.
READ MORE
Doddie Weir’s emotional match ball delivery at Murrayfield in 2017 has been voted the greatest moment in the stadium’s 100-year history, after thousands of fans took part in a nationwide poll.
READ MORE
Free parking is being extended during December in Paisley town centre council car parks.
READ MORE
Children in Paisley were transported to Another Realm as they were challenged to think creatively about the impact of the climate crisis.
READ MORE
The Steamie has been scrubbed up ahead of making a return to theatres across the country next year as part of an exciting new chapter in its long-standing story in the theatre landscape.
READ MORE
Bard in the Botanics will be launching their 25th Anniversary year with a Scotland-wide tour of their award-winning version of Medea, by Kathy McKean (after Euripides).
READ MORE
Imagine Theatre proudly presents a spectacular lineup of family pantomimes across Scotland bursting with laughter, music, sparkle, and dance starring some of Scotland's best-loved entertainers!
READ MORE
Renfrewshire has paid tribute to the Armed Forces as residents attended services across the area to mark Remembrance Sunday.
READ MORE
Dobbies Garden Centres has a fantastic line up of Santa’s Grotto and Quiet Grotto experiences, with an exciting North Pole adventure inspired theme, running from 23rd November - 24th December.
READ MORE
Scottish Ensemble, a pioneering collective of musicians championing music for strings, announces its series of events for Spring/Summer 2026.
READ MORE
Paisley will welcome the festive season in style this weekend at the town's Christmas Lights Switch-On event which returns to a Saturday for the first time since 2019!
READ MORE
Aldi Scotland is giving one lucky customer the chance to take part in a seasonal edition of its popular shopping challenge, all while raising vital funds for Children's Hospices Across Scotland.
READ MORE
Murrayfield heritage lead Laura Tinch reveals hidden collection of 5,000 artefacts charting a century of Scottish rugby history.
READ MORE
Greene King pubs is raising the spirits of Scotland's hardest workers this festive season, hosting 'The Big Christmas Shift' across 700 pubs nationwide, giving away 30,000 meals on Monday 1st December
READ MORE
From wreath-making workshops through to New Year’s Eve street parties, here's a rounded up some of the best events to help make the most of the season with loved ones in a fun and creative way.
READ MORE
Kai Reesu’s ‘KOMPROMAT vol.i’ was tonight announced as winner of The Scottish Album of the Year (SAY) Award, as the country’s national music prize Ceremony took place in Dundee’s Caird Hall.
READ MORE