10th Jul 2020 09:08
(Alliance News) - Gym Group PLC on Friday said it will reopen 160 sites later this month and added that it lost 20% of its members during the lockdown.
UK Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden on Thursday said indoor pools, gyms and other sports facilities can lift shutters on July 25.
"Opening safely is our primary concern and we have comprehensive plans in place for both our colleagues and members as we re-open our gyms. We are pleased to have been able to work with Government and the rest of the health and fitness sector on how best to operate in a Covid-secure way," said Gym Group Chief Executive Officer Richard Darwin.
The company said 160 stores in England will reopen on July 25, though it noted some units could be subject to lockdown, like those imposed on Leicester.
"As soon as possible after relevant local restrictions are lifted", 13 sites in Scotland and three in Wales will reopen, the company added.
A small number of sites will trial 24 hour opening times, though most will be open between 6am and 10pm on weekdays and 8am and 8pm on weekends.
Gym Group noted that it had 692,000 members as of Thursday, a 20% slump from 870,000 on March 18. Promisingly, internal research has found 92% of members "are keen to return" to sites.
The company will impose safety measures, like limiting the amount of gym-goers allowed at a time. It will also implement temperature checks on its staff every day.
Members will be encouraged to visit during less busy hours, it will offer customers a "Gym Busyness" tracker which uses live data to track how busy a site is.
Gym Group shares were 0.4% higher at 150.40 pence each in London on Friday morning.
By Eric Cunha; [email protected]
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