Talks underway to reopen Sunderland public gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools

The Government confirmed on Thursday that gyms, leisure centres and swimming pools can welcome back users from Saturday, July 25, after a four-month absence triggered by the pandemic.

They include facilities run by Everyone Active on behalf of Sunderland City Council such as Sunderland Aquatic Centre, the Raich Carter Sports Centre, Silksworth Community Pool, Tennis and Wellness Centre, Silksworth Sports Complex and Ski Slope and Washington Leisure Centre.

An exact date locally, however, has still to be confirmed with discussions currently ongoing between Everyone Active, which manages nearly 200 leisure and cultural centres nationwide, and the council.

Martin Miles, Everyone Active’s area contract manager, said: “We’re delighted to be given the ‘go-ahead’ to reopen leisure centres following the latest announcement from Government.

"After being closed for nearly four months, this good news is what the leisure industry has been eagerly awaiting.

"Giving people the opportunity to resume activity and exercise in their leisure centre will go a long way to maintaining the good health of local communities.

“We’re currently liaising with all our local authority partners, including Sunderland City Council, on the specific plans for reopening each of our centres.

"The dates for when we reopen our leisure centres in Sunderland are dependent on these discussions. However, we hope to be able to confirm a date soon.”

Thanking everyone for their patience, he added: “We’d like to reassure all customers that we have implemented strict measures to ensure the cleanliness and safety of our centres for when they reopen.

"This information can be found on the Everyone Active website and we would ask everyone to familiarise themselves with this detail prior to attending the centres.”

Sunderland City Council’s cabinet member for Vibrant City, Councillor John Kelly, added: “I can confirm the city council is working closely with Everyone Active on new arrangements.

“We are both working to ensure centres operate safely and within the requirements set out by Government and Public Health England, particularly in relation to social distancing.”

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