Bexhill and Rye leisure centres to open next month

Freedom Leisure confirmed its Bexhill Leisure Centre, Bexhill Leisure Pool and Rye Sports Centre will reopen as part of the next stage of the roadmap out of lockdown.

On April 12, most activities will be available including gym, swimming, racket sports and children’s swimming lessons.

However, as per the government guidelines, group exercise classes will not be available but should return in May.

Malcolm Johnston, chief executive at Rother District Council, said: “It is very welcome news that Rother’s leisure centres will be reopening in a Covid-secure way next month, giving our residents access to local exercise facilities again. Regular exercise is important for everyone’s mental and physical health and I would encourage residents to see what’s on offer at their local leisure centre.”

Last week, Rother District Council received a £181,000 grant to help all three venues reopen. The money comes from the government’s National Leisure Recovery Fund to help with the reopening of leisure centres once restrictions are lifted.

A total of 266 local authorities across England were allocated a share of £100m to support the recovery of publicly owned leisure centres and gyms. Hastings Borough Council received £181,672 to help with the reopening of Summerfields Leisure Centre and Falaise Fitness Centre.