Further leisure service enhancements as restrictions ease

Move to remove most national COVID restrictions makes possible the careful return of many more valued local leisure activities at Renfrewshire Leisure

Renfrewshire Leisure is making plans to further expand its range of services and facilities in the wake of the Scottish Government’s confirmation that most national restrictions are lifted from today (9th August). With the long period of restrictions moving towards conclusion, the charity will be extending its delivery to support local people in living lives which are healthy, happy and fulfilled.

The return will retain a focus on the wellbeing of users and staff. Ever since COVID restrictions were introduced, the organisation has maintained safety as its top priority for those using its facilities or benefiting from its services. 

From next Monday, August the 16th:

• Operational changes will allow an increase in swimming capacity for each session. Changing rooms and showers will re-open, although customers are still recommended to arrive “session-ready”, as maximum capacity in changing rooms will remain limited. Pre-booking system remains in place, online and by telephone, with some limited opportunities to arrive without a booking – and only where capacity allows.
• Johnstone Community Sports Hub will re-open after pool repairs – available to the public outside of school day hours.
• In the charity’s gyms, fitness suites will return to their original fitness areas, and there will be a trial of early morning gym sessions starting at 6.20am at the Lagoon Leisure Centre on Mondays and Wednesdays, and at ON-X on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
• At Johnstone Community Sports Hub, session capacity will double to 24 – an increase of 524 sessions being bookable each week. Double sessions will be possible again, subject to availability and pre-booking.

And from Monday 23rd August the ON-X leisure pool and the flume at the Lagoon Leisure Centre will re-open between 4pm and 8pm on weekdays, and between 10am and 4pm at weekends. 

This enhanced range of services is expected to trigger substantial demand for those looking to rebuild fitness and enjoy the exceptional leisure facilities available across Renfrewshire.

Victoria Hollows, Chief Executive of Renfrewshire Leisure, emphasised the importance of increasing capacity to meet the needs of local people and help them rebuild their physical and mental health after the long period of restrictions since March of last year.

She said: “We take very seriously our commitment to support local people who depend on our range of services to support their wellbeing, so we are carefully and safely enhancing our capacity to meet that need. In order to prioritise the wellbeing of our users, caution will continue to be our watchword, but opening up this phase of leisure and fitness opportunities is really exciting.

“We know how much local people have missed our wide range of activities, so we are pleased to be moving to meet those needs as quickly as we can.”

Pre-booking remains in place for all sessions and locals are being encouraged to visit www.renfrewshireleisure.com to take up the new booking opportunities, and get information about the entire range of activities available.