14 September 2020

Health & Fitness Update

Following the First Minister’s announcement on Thursday 10th September, we remain in phase three of the Scottish Government’s route map. The indicative date for the reopening of soft play facilities and contact sports for adults and young people (12+), in indoor sports courts was previously outlined as Monday 14th September, however, this date has now been delayed until Monday the 5th October. As a result of this, our previously outlined reopening plans for these areas at the Mariner Centre will now be adjusted so that we are in a position to open on the 5th of October, subject to Scottish Government guidelines.

In addition to our confirmed reopening plans for our Health & Fitness facilities we understand that our customers are keen to get back to using Grangemouth Sports Complex as soon as possible, after a prolonged period of absence due to COVID-19. We are working extremely hard with Falkirk Council to make this happen as soon as we safely can, which includes ensuring the necessary building checks and any remedial actions are undertaken before reopening.

After such a long period of facility closures, and taking into account the current global pandemic and government guidelines in place, we have had to think creatively in all that we do, in order for the local community to return to Health & Fitness pursuits in a safe manner.

The safety of our customers and staff is, of course, paramount. Our existing and relatively small and confined gym within Grangemouth Sports Complex does not lend itself well to the new Government guidance, particularly in relation to social distancing. In fact, it is almost impossible to operate the downstairs gym areas under this guidance.

We are therefore pleased to announce that we will be relocating the gym to Sports Hall One, a much larger and spacious area within Grangemouth Sports Complex, which will allow for a socially distanced workout, alleviating any customer concerns.

This area will be fitted out with existing equipment from the gym. It will also be enhanced in terms of its general layout to ensure customers can comfortably move between items of kit in a safe manner. Hand sanitising stations will also be provided. The main benefit of relocating the gym to the hall is to offer use of the gym facilities to as many customers as possible as a result of distancing guidelines now in place.

We hope that such a relocation will provide customers with a greater sense of safety in being able to visit the Grangemouth Sports Complex gym.

Existing sports hall customers will be asked to relocate to Sports Hall Two or to change their booking time, although if this is not possible, we will do what we can to accommodate their booking in an alternative venue.

We expect to be able to announce a reopening date for Grangemouth Sports Complex on Friday 18th September, so please keep your eyes peeled for this announcement and thank you for your patience in the meantime. We look forward to welcoming you back.