An update on reopening from ANGUSalive

Following the announcement last week from the First Minister, ANGUSalive is excited to announce an update on its reopening plans.

ANGUSalive Sport & Leisure venues will begin reopening from 14 September, 2020 - the original date set by the Scottish Government. This is to enable the important safety processes and procedures to be put in place as well as complete the necessary training for all employees.

Arbroath Sports Centre, Forfar Community Campus and Montrose Sports Centre will reopen from Monday 14 September; Brechin Community Campus and Carnoustie Sports Centre from 18 September; and Saltire Sports Centre, Arbroath, and Websters Sports Centre, Kirriemuir from 21 September.

The opening times of these facilities will be different compared to pre-lockdown and will be continually reviewed then changed where appropriate when demand and safety allows.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will be a reduced offering initially with gym and fitness studios available and a range of Les Mills fitness classes on offer across sites, including favourites such as Body Pump, Body Balance and RPM and Body Step. New Les Mills GRIT classes will also be introduced. Some of ANGUSalive’s other sport and leisure services such as our pools, health suites and creche facilities will not open from 14 September as further review is required of detailed guidance still to be published by the Scottish Government and associated governing bodies.

A decision will also be made on the reopening of sports club activities, use of indoor and outdoor pitches and junior coaching provision following publication and careful review of updated guidance. We are continuing to liaise closely with the associated governing bodies.

Kirsty Hunter, Chief Executive of ANGUSalive said: “ANGUSalive, like many charitable trusts across the country, has found the COVID-19 pandemic detrimental to our ability to operate and generate income. The coronavirus won’t be disappearing anytime soon and it will continue to present us with challenges in the weeks and months ahead.

“Therefore, it’s fundamental that we reopen our services gradually in a way that ensures the longevity and sustainability of the charity as well as the safety of our customers and colleagues. We’ve already started reopening some of our services and we’re continuing to work towards reopening more over the coming weeks and months.”

ANGUSalive kick-started its return with the reopening of a number of car parks at Monikie, Crombie, Forfar Loch and Glen Doll Country Parks back in July. A new Click and Collect service has been introduced at four of its libraries and innovative fun family bubble bike sessions and bike hire are running at Monikie Country Park.

Further plans include the rollout of Click and Collect to all libraries during September and the introduction of limited browsing at libraries from October with rural and delivery services making a return thereafter. Signal Tower Museum in Arbroath will reopen from some point in October and outdoor bootcamps are planned to run from our Country Parks in the coming weeks.

In yesterday’s announcement the First Minister also stated that theatres can open from 14 September with strict social distancing and limits on capacity.

Kirsty continues: “We are currently reviewing the detailed guidance associated with reopening theatres as well as identifying when we believe we can re-open in a way that is both safe for audiences and performers but also financially viable for our charity. All shows that were programmed for 2020 have been rescheduled over the past five months to 2021. We are continuing to explore the possibility of streaming performances digitally as well as opportunities to host outdoor events.

“I’d like to thank all our members, customers and the local community for their patience and understanding in what continues to be a particularly challenging time.

“Please be assured our team is working hard to get us back up and running as much as we can, and as soon as we can, for the community of Angus to enjoy healthy, active and creative activities once again. We are really looking forward to opening our doors to welcome you as we make our comeback.”

It’s important to highlight that all proposed dates are subject to change depending on Scottish and UK Government Guidelines, the prevalence of coronavirus in the local community and that our services/venues are ready and safe for the return of customers and colleagues.

For more information on our reopening plans visit www.angusalive.scot