When Chesterfield gyms and swimming pools will reopen - council reveals its roadmap out of lockdown

Council bosses have unveiled Chesterfield’s roadmap out of lockdown as restrictions ease.
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Prime Minister Boris Johnson has revealed his ‘roadmap’ out of lockdown over the coming months, outlining the dates restrictions may be lifted, providing key tests are met, such as a continuing decline in Covid deaths and cases.

And now Chesterfield Council has revealed its plan to restore and reopen its services in line with the Government’s strategy.

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Coun Tricia Gilby, council leader, said: “As we look to the summer months and with the continued roll-out of the vaccination programme, the future certainly looks brighter.

“However, it’s important we all remain cautious and continue to play our part in limiting the spread of the virus.

“I encourage all borough residents to take up the vaccine when they are offered it, to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.

“We’ve done all we can to keep our essential services running through the challenges of this last year. Where Government guidance has meant some of our facilities have had to close, we’ve been offering support or activities online as best we can.

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“Our staff are looking forward to safely welcoming people back to our key facilities, including our leisure centres and theatres, which so many people enjoy and benefit from.

Chesterfield's Winding Wheel Theatre is currently operating as a Covid-19 vaccination centre and is expected to continue to do so until late August.Chesterfield's Winding Wheel Theatre is currently operating as a Covid-19 vaccination centre and is expected to continue to do so until late August.
Chesterfield's Winding Wheel Theatre is currently operating as a Covid-19 vaccination centre and is expected to continue to do so until late August.

“Supporting Chesterfield town centre and our other high streets to safely reopen – and encouraging people to back our businesses and spend locally – is also a crucial part of this and we’ll continue to do all we can to help the borough’s economy recover and thrive.”

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Outdoor sports facilities to open first

From March 29, outdoor sports facilities, such as tennis courts will be allowed to reopen.

Coun Tricia Gilby, Chesterfield Council leader.Coun Tricia Gilby, Chesterfield Council leader.
Coun Tricia Gilby, Chesterfield Council leader.

In Chesterfield, this means: outdoor facilities managed by Queen’s Park Sports Centre and the Healthy Living Centre in Staveley will be open for bookings; council-run outdoor pitches will be available to hire; outdoor gym facilities can be used; and multi-use games areas can reopen.

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From April 12, non-essential retail can reopen, including council-run facilities such as the Pavements Shopping Centre, Market Hall and outdoor market.

A council spokesman said: “The Town Hall reception is currently closed, but should reopen from April 12. However, we encourage our customers to contact us online, or by phone, on 01246 345345, to reduce face-to-face contact and unnecessary travel.”

The council will also be looking to reopen Queen’s Park Sports Centre and Staveley’s Healthy Living Centre from April 12, in line with the latest Government guidelines.

The council is looking to reopen Queen’s Park Sports Centre from April 12, in line with the latest Government guidelines.The council is looking to reopen Queen’s Park Sports Centre from April 12, in line with the latest Government guidelines.
The council is looking to reopen Queen’s Park Sports Centre from April 12, in line with the latest Government guidelines.

This will include general and lane swimming, fitness gyms and children’s courses, although group exercise classes will not resume until May 17 – the next lockdown landmark.

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Customers must pre-book visits to the gyms and pools, arrive ready to exercise wearing a face covering, maintain social distancing, follow one-way systems inside the buildings and clean down equipment after use.

Queen’s Park miniature railway is also due to reopen from April 12, although passenger numbers will be restricted to enable social distancing.

It is hoped the Pomegranate Theatre and Chesterfield Museum can reopen from May 17, although the situation is under review.

The spokesman said: “The Winding Wheel Theatre is currently operating as a Covid-19 vaccination centre and is expected to continue to do so until late August.

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“Updates about the reopening of this venue will be shared as soon as possible.”

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