All the gyms and indoor swimming pools run by not-for-profit social enterprise GLL in Cornwall will reopen in accordance with government guidance on Monday 12 April.

Activities on offer will include children’s swimming lessons, under 18s club swimming, school swimming and gym training. Junior indoor tennis will be available in Bodmin and outdoor programmes that haven’t already got underway will also be resuming. Indoor fitness classes will not re-start until 17 May at the earliest.

Bookings already taken for tomorrow show a good uptake for swimming and gyms from 6.30am onwards, says GLL.

Strict COVID-secure protocols will again be in place for those that attend. These include advance booking only, ensuring customers arrive dressed for their activity, one-way systems, social distancing and rigorous cleaning and hygiene procedures.

“Having to close all our centres for a further three and a half months at what is traditionally our busiest time of the year has clearly not been good for business – nor our customers’ health and well-being,” said James Curry, GLL’s Head of Service in Cornwall.

“We are delighted to finally be able to re-open the majority of our centres and welcome members back. National and local data indicate this has been the hardest lockdown yet, with a third of the population exercising less than they did before. We have partnered with Public Health England on their national better health campaign and our leisure centres will support local communities by providing them with activity programmes that contribute to long-term mental and physical well-being.

“I know I speak for our whole team when I say we are really looking forward to opening our doors on Monday and welcoming customers back.”

Operating under the Better brand, GLL runs thirteen leisure facilities on behalf of Cornwall Council. The following centres will re-open on Monday 12 April:

Bodmin Leisure Centre

Bude Leisure Centre

Helston Sports Centre

Launceston Leisure Centre

Liskeard Leisure Centre

Saltash Leisure Centre

Ships & Castles Leisure Centre, Falmouth

St Austell Leisure Centre

St Ives Leisure Centre

Truro Leisure Centre

Wadebridge Leisure Centre

Waterworld Leisure Centre, Newquay

Bookings can be made on the Better app or by visiting https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/cornwall