Harrow Lodge Leisure Centre fully opens as Covid restrictions ease
Harrow Lodge Leisure Centre has opened the majority of its facilities for the first time, following the further easing of restrictions on 17 May 2021.
The new multi-million pound leisure centre, which was completed in December 2020, opened its doors just for gym and swimming pool use on 12 April 2021.
The new Harrow Lodge Leisure Centre offers a wide range of facilities, including:
- an eight-lane main pool
- a 20m wide learner and diving pool with adjustable floor, meaning it can be used safely for different purposes
- a large 100-station fitness suite with its own dedicated changing area and locker facilities
- a dedicated group cycling studio, including hi-tech virtual classes where resistance programmes match the contours of the terrain on the screen.
- two multi-use exercise studios
- a four-court sports hall
Despite now being able to offer more facilities and activities with the latest lifting of restrictions – the new centre is still running under strict Covid rules to keep everyone safe.
Harrow Lodge Leisure Centre is part of a huge investment in leisure and sports facilities across the borough by the Council, which has already included Sapphire Ice and Leisure in Romford and will see plans for another new centre in the south of the borough.
Councillor Viddy Persaud, Cabinet Member for Culture and Leisure, said:
"As the government roadmap out of lockdown continues and leisure centres are able to reopen fully, it was a true honour to open the long-awaited Harrow Lodge Leisure Centre. Leisure is at the forefront of the Council’s ambition and I am very excited to see the local community benefit from this new centre.
“This past year has been a constant reminder of how important health and wellbeing is. As we move towards better days, this leisure centre provides the facilities residents need to live happy, healthy lives.
“Leisure centres play an important role as Covid-secure spaces for people to get healthier by being physically and mentally active as we emerge from lockdown.
“This is the next step in the Council’s ongoing investment in leisure facilities, which will also include construction starting on another brand-new leisure centre in Rainham later this year.”
Tom Fletcher, Area Contract Manager at Everyone Active, added:
“We’re delighted to be finally able to open our flagship Harrow Lodge Leisure Centre. Although we’ve had to wait a little longer due to the pandemic, we’re confident that this will be a welcome addition to the town and that the local community will benefit greatly from all the fantastic facilities we have to offer.
“The leisure centres in Havering are pivotal in providing a wide range of facilities to the community and we’re passionate about helping more people to improve their health and wellbeing by getting active. We would ask anyone who is interested in becoming a member to speak to one of our friendly team members at reception or give us a call on 01708 454135.”
Activities across all of the borough’s leisure centres will be socially distanced and in line with the Covid 19 safety measures. Those planning to visit and use the centre must register their slot in advance.