Swimming pools to re-open in High Peak

Published on 28 August 2020

High Peak swimming pools will begin a phased re-opening next week following the necessary closure due to Covid-19.

The pools at Buxton Swimming and Fitness Centre and New Mills Leisure Centre will be open for public lane swimming, swimming lessons and some club bookings from Tuesday 1 September. Repair work is currently underway at the pool in Glossop so this is expected to reopen later in September.

High Peak Borough Council, and its partner Lex Leisure, have put all the necessary measures in place to ensure people can return to the water safely. These measures include asking pool users to:

·         Book in advance via the app or online at www.leisurecentre.com

·         Wear their swim suits under their clothes when they arrive to minimise the time spent in changing rooms

Enhanced hygiene measures are in place and one-way systems will operate through the changing areas and the pool.

Councillor Damien Greenhalgh, Deputy Leader and Executive Councillor for Regeneration, Tourism and Leisure, said: "This is great news for everyone who enjoys pool activities and who has been eagerly anticipating getting back into the water.

"Being active and moving more is something we are very keen to encourage and being able to bring swimming and other activities, such as aqua classes, back is a real bonus.

"As with the majority of other everyday activities, there are some changes that have been made to keep everyone safe and we ask people using the pools to be aware of this and to comply with the requirements."

This is an initial phase of re-opening and Lex Leisure will be looking to add more sessions to the programme including sessions for families and people with disabilities.

Councillor Greenhalgh added: "We're very much looking forward to welcoming people back and, together with Lex, we're looking to add more and more sessions to the programme in the coming weeks as the new ways of operating become established.

"In Glossop, people are already aware that work to repair the pool lining is taking place. I'd like to thank pool users for their continued patience and we'll let you know when we have a confirmed date for re-opening which we expect to be in the next few weeks.