Blackpool Council announces Active Blackpool gym reopenings

The first two leisure centres to reopen will be Moor Park Health and Leisure Centre in Bispham and Blackpool Sports Centre on West Park Drive.

But Palatine Leisure Centre will remain closed for redevelopment works, and a date for its reopening has not been confirmed.

Palatine members who want to freeze their membership until the centre reopens can visit the Active Blackpool website or call the helpline on 01253 478474.

Only the gyms and exercises classes will be available at Moor Park and Blackpool Sports Centre for the time being.

The council hoped swimming pools would be able to reopen in September.

A spokesman for Blackpool Council said: "A phased approach to reopening Blackpool’s leisure centres allows the council to ensure that the necessary additional safety measures are in place for each centre to meet the government’s Covid-secure guidelines. 

"Other services proposed to return from mid-August include indoor racket sports at Blackpool Sports Centre, athletics track, climbing and bouldering and the Feel Good Factory, with swimming proposed to return in September. Further details will be shared once dates are confirmed.

“The swimming pools will remain closed at the moment but we hope to open them to the public in September subject to the phased reopening operating as planned.

“We appreciate that our customers are keen to get back to using the leisure facilities which is fantastic news, but we want to ensure we're able to provide facilities and activities that are both safe and enjoyable for our customers.

"Customers are being reminded that Blackpool’s leisure centres will be operating in a different way than people are used to for the time being, to ensure the safety of both customers and employees.

"As with many other venues, there will be some necessary restrictions and procedures in place to ensure maintenance of social distancing and that details are captured for the NHS Test and Trace service."

Gym members must book activities in advance through the website, in the Sport Blackpool mobile app, or by calling the helpline.

Activities are only available to members or those with a Leisure Card.

Membership payments for current members

Existing health and fitness members can use their membership from July 27 and will not pay any direct debits until the September 4.

The council has offered members one third off their September direct debit.  

Annual memberships will be extended by a month and 10 days, in addition to the time the centres were closed.

Swim memberships will remain frozen until the pools reopen.