Remaining leisure centres in the Borough set to reopen

May 12, 2021

The Council’s leisure operator has confirmed plans to reopen the remaining three leisure centres in the Borough and restart indoor group exercise classes at Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre.

Belfairs Swim Centre, Chase Sports and Fitness Centre and Shoeburyness Leisure Centre are due to reopen after being closed to the public for the past 14 months.

Following the Prime Minister’s confirmation that the country will begin step three of the Government’s roadmap from Monday 17 May, all three centres will once again welcome visitors, alongside Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre, which reopened in late March.

The proposed reopening timetable for leisure facilities across the Borough are as below, please check centre websites for full availability: 

• Belfairs Swim Centre – reopens Saturday 22 May for lane and family swimming
• Chase Sports and Fitness Centre – reopens Saturday 22 May for gym and sports hall court hire
• Shoeburyness Leisure Centre – reopens Saturday 22 for lane and family swim sessions, gym and sports hall court hire

Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre will welcome back indoor group exercise classes kicking off a new timetable with a special 5.45am class on Monday 17 May.

Following detailed risk assessments, initially there will not be any group exercise classes at Chase or Shoeburyness due to the social distancing requirements. Group exercise will become available again once the Covid restrictions have been relaxed at the end of June, subject to further progress of the Government’s roadmap.

Cllr Kevin Robinson, cabinet member for business, culture and tourism, said: “Leisure centres provide an essential service, providing a welcome physical and mental wellbeing boost as the country continues to work towards some form of normality. The centres are situated across the whole Borough, providing gym, swimming and other leisurely activities to all of our residents.

“Whilst the three remaining centres are set to reopen, it is important residents wishing to visit a centre continue to follow the rules around social distancing, hand washing and sanitizing frequently. We are delighted to welcome visitors back, albeit through a phased approach as we continue to await further Government guidance regarding social distancing restrictions.” 

Anthony Cawley, Director of Operations at Fusion said, “We’re delighted to be able to open the remaining centres in the Southend area.  We know how important our leisure facilities are for the health and wellbeing of the local community and we’re looking forward to helping centre members and visitors enjoy the wide range of leisure facilities we have on offer.”

For more information regarding leisure facilities in the town, please visit www.southend.gov.uk/sports-leisure