Helston Sports Centre set for reopening following recent Government announcement

Yesterday evening in a joint statement from GLL and Cornwall Council, it was announced that Helston Sports Centre would be reopening from next Saturday (25th).

The re-opening in Cornwall will be phased for "safety reasons" and it will prioritise centres best suited to being COVID-secure in the first instance and then gradually rolling out others.

The statement read:

"GLL and Cornwall Council welcome the recent announcement by Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden MP that leisure centres, gyms and pools will be allowed to reopen from July 25th.

"GLL is a charitable social enterprise that employs around 900 staff in Cornwall. The cost of keeping centres in hibernation for four months with no income, and the ongoing impact of Covid-19 and how services will be delivered, has resulted in a total funding shortfall of around £5m.

"Negotiations are continuing to find a solution to what has become a serious financial challenge and, together with local MPs, we have jointly been lobbying Government for a rescue package similar to the one that is now in place for the arts.

"Leisure centres provide an essential public service and we are really looking forward to welcoming customers back."

From July 25th, the following will open:

Bude Leisure Centre – gym and fitness classes only

Liskeard Leisure Centre – gym and fitness classes only

Bodmin Leisure Centre – gym, fitness classes and outdoor tennis only.

St Austell Leisure Centre – gym, fitness classes and swimming pool

Newquay Waterworld – gym, fitness classes and swimming pool

Helston Sports Centre – gym and fitness classes only

Truro Leisure Centre – gym, fitness classes and swimming pool

Newquay Trampoline & Play Park – trampoline area, subject to final review of COVID-safe options.

Like theatre venues across the country, the Princess Pavilion in Falmouth will remain closed in accordance with government guidelines.

The following centres will not be in the first round of reopening on July 25th:

Ships & Castles Leisure Centre, Falmouth

Launceston Leisure Centre

Saltash Leisure Centre

St Ives Leisure Centre

Wadebridge Leisure Centre