The new Galleon boss has said he’s dealing with substantial challenges in reconfiguring the leisure centre for reopening in a post-pandemic world.
This week, Sterry Mathew, the general manager at the facility, has given a glimpse of what Kilmarnock’s leisure centre could look like when it reopens.
An additional gym area will be created with a one-way system will be put in place in certain areas and staff will be kitted out in PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
At the moment there is no date for the town centre venue to open its doors again but a statement updated the public on what they’re doing to make the facility safe for when it eventually reopens.
But Mr Mathew says that the entire centre will be reconfigured over the coming weeks.
Mr Mathew said: “The centre has now been closed since March 18 and only key activities are getting carried out at the centre.
“In these unprecedented challenging times, we have had to adapt and change the way we carry on with our lives.
“We know the importance of physical activity and its essential role in our overall wellbeing.
“We are very keen to have you all back in the centre once the lockdown restrictions have been eased and it is safe to come back.
“We have been working very hard to learn and prepare for the impact this pandemic will have on the way we can recommence our services in the centre.
“To this effect we will now be embarking on a substantial challenge of reconfiguring the entire centre over the next few weeks with the aim to be ready to reopen our doors with your health, safety and wellbeing at the forefront of our minds.”
Galleon chiefs have said they will be working on the following measures over the coming weeks:
● Additional area to be included for the gym;
● Phased addition of virtual fitness studios;
● Ensuring social distancing is enabled within the entire centre;
● One-way systems in certain high traffic areas;
● An enhanced cleaning routine including multiple cleansing stations;
● Personal protective equipment for staff.
While outdoor pools were permitted to open on May 29 along with other outdoor sports including golf and tennis, leisure centres could get the green light to open in phase three, which, if the suppression of the virus continues, could happen next month.
Mr Mathew continued: “We know that these changes will go a long way to help us adapt to the pandemic.
“The centre will be phased back in gradually to our normal operations to ensure all our customers and staff’s safety.
“As always we will need your support, encouragement and feedback to bring our centre back to life.
“We will keep you posted with updates of how our works with regards to the reopening of the centre are progressing.
“Before we officially open the centre, we will post more updates with guidelines for use of different services within the centre.
“Again, we hope you and your families are safe and well.
“We look forward to having you back at the centre.”
