Freedom Leisure receives £140k Government Covid Recovery cash to help with reopening Malvern's pools and leisure centres - The Malvern Observer

Freedom Leisure receives £140k Government Covid Recovery cash to help with reopening Malvern's pools and leisure centres

Malvern Editorial 2nd Apr, 2021   0

THE ORGANISATION which runs the leisure centres and swimming pools across Malvern District has received more than £140,000 to help it reopen the venues to customers.

The cash to Freedom Leisure comes from the Government’s National Leisure Recovery Fund, which supports the recovery of publicly owned leisure centres and gyms from the Covid-19 pandemic.

Most of them will reopen on April 12 when the next stage of the lockdown easing road map is reached.

It is a doubly exciting time for the team as it will also be the first chance for people to experience the new look at Malvern Splash following a £2million revamp. Centres at Dyson Perrins and Sport Martley will also be reopening.




Coronavirus restrictions mean not all activities will be available.

Group exercise classes won’t be able to restart until May and or family fun swim sessions.


This means some of the new features of the Splash will not be available straight away but the pool will be available for lane swimming from April 12, as will most other activities including the gym, racket sports and children’s swimming lessons.

Coun Sarah Rouse, Leader of Malvern Hills District Council, said: “The pandemic has had a significant impact on the leisure sector and while this money is welcome, it is only a fraction of what we have spent supporting our leisure centres so they can reopen from April 12.

“If the Government is serious about helping people improve their health and wellbeing post-Covid-19, then we need to see much more central funding for our leisure centres.

“That said I am excited our leisure centres will finally be reopening and for people to get their first look at the new Malvern Splash.

“Helping our residents to improve their physical and mental wellbeing is an important part of our district’s overall recovery from pandemic and our leisure centres have an important part to play.”

Ivan Horsfall Turner, Managing Director of Freedom Leisure, said: “The last year has been a significant challenge for the leisure industry and our role in providing the local communities across Malvern with access to health, fitness and wellbeing opportunities has never been more important.

“The funding secured with Malvern District Council’s support will help us to reopen and

“Our teams are excited to get back to providing our local communities with opportunities for exercise, activity and the chance to socialise safely.”

Tenbury Community Swimming Pool, which is not owned by the council but is run by Freedom Leisure on behalf of the community, will also benefit from the recovery funding. The pool is also due to reopen on April 12.

Visit www.freedom-leisure.co.uk for more information or search for your local leisure centre on Facebook.

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