Gloucester’s’ flagship community leisure facilities, have received much-needed Government funds to support the recovery from the impact of Covid-19.
Aspire Sports and Cultural Trust, the charity that runs the leisure facilities, has worked closely with Gloucester City Council to ensure that much needed cash is received from the Government to help cover the financial losses of over £2 million, as a result of the pandemic.
The funding is part of Sport England’s National Leisure Recovery Fund and is intended to support charitable, independent organisations who run and operate leisure facilities, at no profit, for the community.
The charity will receive a grant of £204,000 which will be used to cover a small proportion of the losses and to reopen the GL1 and Oxstalls Sports Park facilities, as set out in the Governments four step plan.
The facilities are owned by Gloucester City Council, who have supported the charity throughout the crisis. Councillor Steve Morgan , Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, said:
“This is fantastic news and it will certainly help our leisure centres begin the process of recovery after what has been an extremely difficult time. I don’t think we can underestimate the important role that they will play in helping our community get back to some kind of normality and we will do our best to support them.”
The Board of voluntary Trustees, who govern the Charity, are delighted with the local support that has been given and welcome the financial boost from Sport England. Moreover, the health, wellbeing and physical activity of our communities have never been more important, as we all begin to recover from Covid-19.
The charity will be following the Governments four step plan to re-open services and facilities. The first phase of reopening from 29th March will see a brand-new adult outdoor group fitness class programme delivered at GL1 and Oxstalls plus the added benefit of classes held in Gloucester Park.
The popular outdoor courts at Oxstalls will be back from the 29th providing a full outdoor tennis programme including an exciting children’s Easter activity programme. The outdoor pitches will also be available from this date to provide football, hockey and rugby pitches options.
The second phase will see our gyms, swimming Pools, gymnastics hall and individual indoor sports such as badminton and squash available at GL1, whilst the indoor courts at Oxstalls will also be opening!
Jacquie Douglas, Chief Executive at Aspire said
“We are delighted that the Government has announced its’ four step recovery plan and we are planning the re-opening of our services in line with that. Our members and customers tell us how much they and their families miss doing their usual activities and have complimented us on our covid security measures. It’s great to hear that Gloucestershire has been complimented on its’ vaccination rates and this should give us added confidence that targeted release of restrictions on 21st June is achievable. ”
For further details please see the Aspire Sports and Cultural Trust website and social media – the charity at the heart of your community can’t wait to welcome you back!
