The first soft play centre in Newmarket has opened at the Leisure Centre following the £1.8m transformation which also includes a new café, gym spaces, studios and treatment rooms.
The investment by West Suffolk Council, which was completed on time and on budget, has been opening in a safe and controlled way since lockdown ended. A new e-gym is due to be added shortly and a children’s party area when restrictions allow.
Initially, the ‘Energy’ soft play will be available on weekends and at school holidays, for booked morning and afternoon sessions, allowing deep cleaning in-between, and the cafe will be open during soft play hours.
Cllr Jo Rayner, Cabinet member for Leisure, Culture and Community Hubs said,
‘I am delighted this eagerly anticipated soft play area is available for half term. The upgrade was tailored for the community following consultation with customers and residents. None of us foresaw that they would open in current circumstances, and our partners Abbeycroft Leisure, are making sure everyone feels and stays safe. There is something on offer for everyone and I look forward to welcoming users back in the weeks to come.’
Cllr John Griffiths, Leader of West Suffolk Council said,
‘This investment in the community’s social and physical wellbeing is opportune, helping residents who use the facilities to keep healthy and resilient as we go into winter. Wellbeing has never been more important, and part of that is establishing healthy routines. I recommend a visit to the Newmarket Leisure Centre web pages to see how you’ll be looked after, and the wide range of activities available. I hope customers enjoy the excellent new facilities, and stay physically and mentally well.’
The new gym space and exercise classes began in July, with the sports hall, synthetic pitch, lane swimming and swimming lessons all coming on stream in August. All activities are pre-booked and together with a one-way layout, hand sanitisers and minimum use of changing facilities, ensure staff and customers are protected during their visits.
Warren Smyth, CEO of Abbeycroft Leisure said,
‘We are here to guide customers through booking sessions and to look after them while they are at the leisure centre. Our website has a fly through, showing them what they can expect on their first visit, and what will be new about it. We have two ways of booking sessions, using a mobile app or going online, depending on which suits you better.