Active Northumberland sports and leisure centres around the county are to reopen on December 2 as full lockdown restrictions are eased and the county is placed into Tier 3. 

Under the new Tier 3 regulations, only gym and swimming sessions will be permitted at the centres including children's swimming lessons,  however full exercise and fitness classes are prohibited for now. 

Active Northumberland will continue to have stringent hygiene and social distancing practices in place to keep customers and staff safe and well. 

Thorough cleaning measures that are in place at the centres include a thirty minute closure of the gym after each session to enable the cleaning of equipment. There will also be anti-bacterial wipes available for members to wipe down their equipment and hand sanitizer points throughout the centres. 

Anyone wishing to use the facilities must pre- book a place from the Acive Northumberland website or app as numbers will be limited in the gym or pool at any one time. 

The move to open the facilities comes following the Government’s announcement that it is to ease some of the restrictions on indoor gyms, swimming pools and sports facilities, ensuring millions of people can get back into sport and fitness activities. 

Active Northumberland is the charitable trust which manages sports and leisure facilities in Northumberland on behalf of the county council. 

Mark Warnes, Acting Chief Executive of Active Northumberland said: 

“We are delighted that we have had the green light to reopen the centres, albeit in a limited capacity,  and are really looking forward to welcoming our customers back through the doors to resume their fitness regimes. Please be rest assured that health, hygiene and safety remain our top priorities.” 
 

Northumberland County Councillor Jeff Watson, cabinet member with responsibility for healthy lives said: 

“We know that exercise is great for reducing stress and boosting the mood and has a positive impact on our mental wellbeing which is really important during the present time. Exercise also helps prevent weight gain, assists the immune system and improves sleep. Whether you are going to start back at your local gym, go for a walk or cycle or try an online exercise class it is important that we all try and keep active in ways that we can as we work through this pandemic together. “ 

 

The centres to reopen on December 2 will be:  

Ashington 

Ashington – Hirst Welfare Centre 

Alnwick - Willowburn Sports Centre 

Berwick - Swan Centre  

Blyth Sports Centre 

Concordia Sports Centre – Cramlington 

Druridge Bay Fitness Centre 

Hexham - Wentworth Sports Centre 

Morpeth - Riverside Leisure Centre 

Newbiggin Sports & Community Centre 

Ponteland Sports Centre 

Prudhoe Waterworld. 

Rothury Pool & Gym 

The Pegasus Riding Centre at Tranwell near Morpeth will also be reopening.