Belgravia Leisure reveals roadmap to reopening of facilities as Coronavirus restrictions ease

May 21, 2020

Belgravia Leisure has announced it will commence a gradual reopening of facilities in response to the Federal Government’s lifting of Coronavirus restrictions.

In March, the Belgravia Group business closed all of its aquatic and recreation centres in line with Government guidelines to ensure there was no community transmission of COVID-19. During the isolation period of Stage 1 restrictions, the facilities operated on a skeleton staff, focusing on a staged action plan towards reopening to a safe and COVID-free environment for local communities.

The action plan was created to align with Government and industry body guidelines including clear guidance for facilities on how to manage a potential COVID-19 incident, daily checklists and enhanced deep cleaning instructions.

Explaining the how it approached the shutdown, Belgravia Leisure Group Health and Safety Manager, Trent O’Hara stated "our country has never known a pandemic of this scale.

“It was, and still is, our highest priority to ensure all of our facilities feel confident in reopening with an action plan for every possible scenario. We have ensured that they are provided with all the resources required to maintain a COVID-safe facility for staff and the local community.”

Belgravia Leisure’s golf facilities in South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia are currently open and operating under strict social distancing guidelines to prevent community transmission. From the 20th May, Queensland facilities Mackay Aquatic Recreation Complex and Pioneer Swim Centre will commence reopening under Stage 1 restrictions, with Tobruk Memorial Pool to follow on the 23rd May.

The facilities will reopen with some restrictions including card payments only; restrictions per lane for casual swimmers; increased regularity of cleaning in each facility; shower facilities will be temporarily unavailable; sauna and steam room facilities will be closed and bookings being required for all classes.

Advising that while it is exciting to be able to reopen facilities in some states, it was important to remain vigilant of any possible infection, Belgravia Leisure Chief Executive, Nick Cox commenting "our golf courses and leisure facilities are essential for the health and wellbeing of local communities. They provide much needed support for the community.

“We will continue to monitor state and federal guidelines and carry out increased cleaning and hygiene procedures to protect our staff and communities from potential infection.

“While our facilities will operate with restrictions until government guidelines are eased, we are pleased to be able to once again connect local communities to leisure.”

Images: The Mackay Aquatic Recreation Complex, set to reopen on 20th May (top) and Belgravia Leisure Chief Executive Nick Cox (below).

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11th May 2020 - ARI release guidelines for managing Coronavirus risks in reopened aquatic centres

1st May 2020 - Royal Life Saving makes the case for the reopening of Australia’s aquatic centres and swim schools

23rd April 2020 - Belgravia Leisure Re-engages over 20 Exercise Physiologists for new Telehealth service

22nd April 2020 - Golf Australia ‘encouraged’ to see golf being played with minimal risk

3rd April 2020 - Royal Life Saving welcomes JobKeeper payments as a ‘$700 million lifeline’ for aquatic facilities and swim schools

3rd April 2020 - Confusion as courses ignore Golf Australia advice and remain open

25th March 2020 - Belgravia Group launches online fitness program

25th March 2020 - Aquatic sector could lose $900 million in revenue as Prime Minister Morrison advises that all commercial pools must close

26th February 2020 - Belgravia Kids Chief Executive explains the acquisition of Jump! Swim Schools business

23rd April 2019 - Mackay Regional Council announces pool closures as part of upgrade and maintenance program

11th March 2019 - New Mackay ARC gets official opening

6th May 2016 - Builder hands over redeveloped Tobruk Memorial Pool in Cairns

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