CRICKLADE Leisure Centre will open its doors after lockdown today, fresh from a £2.5m refurbishment.

The government has given the go-ahead for leisure centres, gyms and swimming pools to reopen as long as social distancing and other restrictions are in place.

The swimming pool and café had to close at Cricklade while work took place.

Operations director Jo Moran said: “We’re very excited to be reopening and it’s the first time our members will be able to experience the new facilities.”

The facilities were open when lockdown was lifted as a temporary gym was moved to the sports hall. The refurbishment was made possible when Wiltshire County Council and Cricklade Town Council joined forces in a legacy project.

It has been in the planning since December 2019 and includes an extension to the fitness suite, the addition of a multi-function room, a new dance and fitness studio and new changing facilities. The centre has been redecorated and the infrastructure updated.

Jo said: “We have had to put in place lots of health and safety measures as well as mask-wearing. We have had to retrain staff as it’s been so long. We have to open with limited services so we’re restricted on numbers in the gym. There will be a cleaning regime with a deep cleaning process each day.”

“For the first time in a year, we will be welcoming people back into lane swimming. Of course, we’re concerned about having to close again but all the measures are in place so we will keep our fingers crossed.”

The centre is only opening to its members to start with and to the general public later in the year.

Many schools use the facilities and around 700 children have lessons in the pool.

Jo added: “It’s phenomenal so it’s important to get back on track for all those children who haven’t been able to learn the life skill. We’re excited to have them back as it looks so completely different with the refurbished pool and bigger changing spaces.”

Although the café will remain closed, one parent can sit in the viewing gallery to watch their children swim.

Jo said: “Our members have been amazing most have continued to pay while we have been shut so we want to be loyal to them but we’re open to new members joining too.

“The staff have been amazing while all the building work has been going on. They’re excited to get back as most have been on furlough. We’re so happy to see the centre back up and running as this sector has been so heavily hit by Covid, it’s been so upsetting that some of these businesses haven’t survived.

“We’re so thankful for the support and it is reassuring we can reopen. Thanks to the people who continued to pay.”

Customers are asked to turn up gym and swim-ready, with booking available.