In March, the Belgravia Group business closed all of its aquatic and recreation centres in line with Government guidelines to ensure there was no community transmission of COVID-19. During the isolation period of Stage 1 restrictions, the facilities operated on a skeleton staff, focusing on a staged action plan towards reopening to a safe and COVID-free environment for local communities.

The action plan was created to align with Government and industry body guidelines including clear guidance for facilities on how to manage a potential COVID-19 incident, daily checklists and enhanced deep cleaning instructions.

Explaining the how it approached the shutdown, Belgravia Leisure Group Health and Safety Manager, Trent O’Hara stated “our country has never known a pandemic of this scale.”

“It was, and still is, our highest priority to ensure all of our facilities feel confident in reopening with an action plan for every possible scenario. We have ensured that they are provided with all the resources required to maintain a COVID-safe facility for staff and the local community.”

Belgravia Leisure’s golf facilities in South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia are currently open and operating under strict social distancing guidelines to prevent community transmission. From the 20th May, Queensland facilities Mackay Aquatic Recreation Complex and Pioneer Swim Centre will commence reopening under Stage 1 restrictions, with Tobruk Memorial Pool to follow on the 23rd May.

The facilities will reopen with some restrictions including card payments only; restrictions per lane for casual swimmers; increased regularity of cleaning in each facility; shower facilities will be temporarily unavailable; sauna and steam room facilities will be closed and bookings being required for all classes.

Advising that while it is exciting to be able to reopen facilities in some states, it was important to remain vigilant of any possible infection, Belgravia Leisure Chief Executive, Nick Cox commenting “our golf courses and leisure facilities are essential for the health and wellbeing of local communities. They provide much needed support for the community.

“We will continue to monitor state and federal guidelines and carry out increased cleaning and hygiene procedures to protect our staff and communities from potential infection.”

“While our facilities will operate with restrictions until government guidelines are eased, we are pleased to be able to once again connect local communities to leisure.”