Beau Sejour hails ‘new normal’ as island enters stage three

The leisure centre has continued to open during much of the pandemic, with the Covid Vaccination Centre progressing and towards the latter stages enabling activities and facilities to be offered to the public to run alongside it. It will now begin operating a phased return to its normal business operations. However, pre-lockdown opening hours, some facilities and activities will remain unavailable in the short term. This includes only reopening the cafe on Wednesdays.

While the swimming pool is open to the public, staggered start times will be in place for Swim School sessions from the beginning of the new term – provisionally 20 April. Details for holiday courses and sessions taking place prior to this date are to be confirmed. In addition, while the BodyZone gym will be available as normal from today, Fitness Classes will only recommence next Monday. As a result, reactivated Freedom memberships will not be charged for the first week, as well as being extended. Squash courts one, two and three will be available to book, however, the glass backed courts – four and five – will remain closed, along with the level one dry changing rooms and the sports hall, until the CVC is no longer needed.

Head of Recreation Services Sam Herridge said while many of the leisure centre’s ‘absolute stars’ of staff had helped with the CVC, they were excited to see the restart of many of their normal services.

‘Many of the centre’s staff team have been redeployed during stages one and two of lockdown or have been actively engaged in assisting with the operation of the CVC, from taking temperatures to delivering PPE,’ she said.

‘But I think we can all say we’re looking forward to getting back to doing what we love – and that’s welcoming the community back through our doors to provide a full programme of activities and facilities.’

An earlier closing time of 4pm yesterday allowed staff to prepare facilities for normal operating.

Ms Herridge added: ‘Although we are looking forward to getting back to a new normal, of course there will be some changes to the way we operate, with some facilities and activities remaining unavailable, and large gatherings having to be monitored and risk assessed accordingly.’

She asked people to bear with them as they continue to adapt to the new normal, with the advice of checking social media and their website for updates.

Although separate entrances for the CVC and leisure centre will no longer be required, clear signage will be on hand for islanders. Customers have also been reminded that dedicated parking is available for CVC, therefore the centre may be busy during peak times.