Leisure centres re-open across Oldham

Oldham Community Leisure has reopened its leisure facilities across the borough on Wednesday (2 December) now that the national lockdown has come to an end. 

Saddleworth Leisure Centre, Oldham Leisure Centre, Royton Leisure Centre, Chadderton Wellbeing Centre, The Radclyffe Athletics Centre and Failsworth Sports Centre have opened their doors again to both members and the wider community.

OCL say its leisure centres are adhering to the government's restrictions and they won't be able to hold its regular indoor exercise class timetable or the majority of indoor sports.

However, it will be offering increased gym and swimming sessions, as well as a selection of new outdoor classes.

OCL say it has increased capacity at its leisure centres, particularly the gym, where it has moved extra equipment into the studio spaces.

All activities require advanced booking via the OCL website at https://oclactive.co.uk/new-online-booking-system, the Oldham Active app or by calling 0161 207 7000.

OCL’s Chief Executive, Stuart Lockwood, said: "We are delighted to be reopening – again. We’ve missed our customers and can’t wait to welcome them back. The Oldham community has worked so hard to get our COVID-19 rates down and we are hopeful to soon be in tier two, which would mean the return of our learn to swim programmes and racquet sports, as well as our usual indoor group exercise timetables.

“However, in the meantime, we have introduced some fantastic new outdoor sessions, including spinning, Zumba and bootcamp style classes at Oldham and Saddleworth leisure centres. These outdoor sessions should be a lot of fun, but remember to wrap up warm, as these will take place whatever the weather!”

Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, OCL has run popular live online classes via its social media platforms, which have helped to keep people fit and motivated during lockdown.

OCL has confirmed it will be continuing these online services for the community, to help reach people who are shielding or apprehensive about returning to leisure centres. It has also promised to continue its REACH exercise referral programme in a virtual capacity.

The team at OCL say it is continuing to work closely with the UK’s sports governing bodies to ensure it complies with the government’s current COVID-19 secure guidelines and will continue to provide a comprehensive cleaning regime and social distancing measures.

OCL is asking its customers to be respectful of others and to clean equipment after use. There will be markers and arrows to help guide people around the trust’s leisure centres.

Mr Lockwood added: "I would like to remind you of what Chris Whitty, the Government’s Chief Medical Officer, recently said: ‘there is no situation, no age, no condition, where exercise is not a good thing'. We are committed to the wellbeing of the Oldham community, at a time when fitness is even more important for our physical and mental health. Stay safe, stay apart, and stay active."