Leisure centres across south Essex are planning to partially reopen in the coming weeks as lockdown restrictions are eased once again.

Southend Leisure Centre is even planning to welcome members back as early as next week, when outdoor activities are permitted.

From Monday (March 29), outdoor sports facilities such as tennis and basketball courts and open-air swimming pools will be allowed to reopen, and people will also be able to take part in formally organised outdoor sports.

The ‘stay at home’ message will also change to ‘stay local’ to demonstrate the change in rules.

Another change to the rules on April 12 will also mean Gyms, swimming pools and other indoor exercise venues can reopen.

So here is everything we know about leisure centres in south Essex and when each one is planning to reopen:

Southend Leisure and Tennis Centre

Bosses say the centre will reopen outdoor pitches and tennis court from Monday, while outside group exercise classes will also begin again.

Bookings can be made from tomorrow (Thursday, March 25).

All sessions must be pre-booked and paid for online or via the Fusion Lifestyle app.

Anyone attending the centre must not arrive more than 10 minutes before their class or activity.

If you arrive late, you may be refused entry.

Changing facilities will be closed so anyone attending must be changed and ready for their activity.

Face coverings are mandatory for all staff and customers in communal areas.

Fusion has been contacted about when it plans to reopen other leisure facilities in the borough. 

Basildon, Wickford and Pistea

Leisure facilities across the Basildon borough will be welcoming back members and customers from Monday, April 12.

The reopening announcement was made today (Wednesday, March 24) by Basildon Council, which has been allocated £385,000 by the National Leisure Recovery Fund to enable a “solid funding platform” for the leisure sector to successfully reopen.

Everyone Active, which runs the centres, has yet to announce further details on what will be available to members and customers.

Contract manager, Shaun Beagle said: "We're very much looking forward to reopening our centres and welcoming back the local community.

READ MORE:

"After being closed for three months, the latest step in the Government's Roadmap is a positive move forward for the leisure industry and gives people of all ages the opportunity to resume activity and exercise in their leisure centre.

"Ensuring our colleagues and customers remain safe continues to be our number one priority and we have carefully considered the strict measurements to ensure we adhere to the guidance.

"We will be contacting all customers directly regarding the centres reopening as soon as further confirmation is provided by government. We look forward to welcoming everyone back and thank them for their patience."

Canvey and Benfleet

Waterside Farm and Runnymede leisure centres are due to reopen on Monday, April 12.

However, bosses say this is subject to confirmation from the Government which needs to confirm the next phase out of lockdown.

The centres are due to reopen in phases starting with the fitness suites, swimming pools and outdoor group exercise classes.

The next phase will be no earlier than the May 17 and will include indoor group exercise classes and the re-opening of the sauna and steam room.

In a statement on Castle Point Council’s website, it states: “Once we have confirmation on all aspects of our opening we will give all customers an update.

“In the meantime, memberships will remain frozen and all payments will be adjusted upon re-opening so you won’t have paid for any time that we have been closed for.

“We will also continue to do our online classes so you can stay fit ready for our re-opening.

“We really are looking forward to getting back open and seeing you all again and getting all our plans in order to make the next year special.”

Hawkwell

Clements Hall Leisure Centre is also due to reopen from Monday (March 29), but no date has yet been confirmed for the centre in Rayleigh.

Bookings for Clements Hall will also launch tomorrow, with the centre set to open up its outdoor gym, pitches and run outside exercise classes.

It will be following similar rules to the leisure centre in Southend.