NEWS
Serco Leisure Reopens AquaSplash Facility Following Lockdown Ease
Operator Serco Leisure has reopened its AquaSplash facility on the Channel Island of Jersey, the first of its indoor sites to reopen following the closure of all leisure facilities in the UK back in March. The decision to reopen the swimming centre was taken following the Jersey Government’s announcement that the island had moved to Level Two of Coronavirus lockdown, which allows for certain businesses to reopen as long as they are able to maintain social distancing rules safely. AquaSplash is operating with new measures in place, which include the splitting of the pool into three wider lanes to allow for more distance between swimmers, changing rooms, showers and lockers not being in use and the sauna and steam rooms staying closed. Simon Bailey, Managing Director of Serco Leisure said: “A lot of work has gone into the re-opening plans for the AquaSplash. We’ve ensured we’re able to offer a safe place to visit for customers and a safe place to work for our colleagues on the island.
Essex Council Still Committed To Pitsea Pool Plans
“We recently successfully reopened our golf centres in Basingstoke and at Beacon Park in West Lancashire, but an indoor facility brings its own challenges. However, since we welcomed back our first customers this week, it’s clear that they and our colleagues are adapting well to this new way of operating.” Faye Camp, Contract Manager at the centre said: “People were desperate for us to re-open and I can honestly say, it’s great to be back. We’ve had a good number of swimmers each day in the pool, about average for the time of year actually. And we’re even making new membership sales, which shows that customers are confident they feel our health and safety processes are robust during this challenging period.” Serco Leisure operates AquaSplash on behalf of the Jersey Government and it is Jersey’s premier aquatics venue, attracting around 200,000 visits a year.
A leading councillor has spoken of Basildon Council’s commitment on proposals to build a swimming pool in Pitsea in Essex. Vice Chairman of the Neighbourhoods and Public Spaces Committee and ward councillor for Pitsea South East, Councillor Andrew Ansell, said the council remains “absolutely committed” to progressing with proposals for the development of a swimming pool in Pitsea at the Eversley Leisure Centre site which is operated by Everyone Active. The project is currently paused as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. Before the crisis unfolded in March the next decision for the committee was to tender for the design and build based on financial projections presented to committee. Cllr Ansell said: “We are absolutely committed to moving forward with proposals for a pool in Pitsea and have already completed a public consultation and found a viable site at Eversley. The budget for the development of this also remains in place. “To progress with proposals, officers need to call upon the expertise of our leisure operator. The Coronavirus pandemic has halted this part of the project but work will continue as soon as possible. “There is significant work being undertaken by leisure governing bodies and the government regarding how leisure centres will reopen with the current restrictions and what impact that will have on the short to medium term on financial viability of leisure centres across the country. “Once we have a clearer understanding of the potential impact on our leisure provision, a report will be brought back to committee.”
Approval Given To Brean Splash Waterpark’s Expansion Proposal Plans revealed in January for four new rides at Brean Splash Waterpark have been given the go-ahead by Sedgemoor District Council on the condition that construction should not start until a traffic management plan is submitted and approved. A five-year development plan details announced in the planning application to extend the facilities which include a new outdoor ‘feature pool’ and new water rides. These include a Wave rider that can be used by two people at the same time; a ‘Space bowl’ that is described as a “high thrill water ride”, a new ‘Multislide’ that is aimed at families and multiple users at the same time plus a new ‘Water Play’ section aimed at all ages.
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A new outdoor pool is also in the proposals that will include a ‘Wave ball’ pool with a beach and small waves. The proposals are part of plans to extend the existing Brean Splash Waterpark also to provide additional changing space and improve its overall facilities. Speaking before the approval, Sarah House, Director said: “The design of the building is a simple extension, sited to enable the existing entrance to be
maintained and changing rooms to be extended. This allows for a larger shop area and more space for internal seating for the existing cafe. “A better changing room arrangement will allow for closing off sections at peak times to allow for cleaning whilst still providing sufficient changing space. “A ‘changing places’ accessible changing room is provided along with additional easily accessible disabled changing rooms and toilets. The building is capable of being separated into zones which will enable it to be operated efficiently depending upon the demand.” The expansion would see the creation of an additional 15-20 new jobs for the local area.
www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 05/07/2020 22:55
