Cllr Viddy Persaud with Tom Fletcher, Area Contract Manager at Everyone Active
The multi-million pound leisure centre, situated in Hornchurch Road was completed in December 2020.
Due to the easing of coronavirus restrictions, the centre was able to open its doors on Monday, 12 April just for gym and swimming pool use.
Following the further lifting of restrictions yesterday, indoor activities including group fitness, aqua classes, indoor team sports, ice skating, ice hockey, roller disco, children’s indoor play areas, cafes and sauna’s and steam rooms are now able to resume.
Facilities at the new centre include an eight-lane main pool, a 20m wide learner and diving pool with an adjustable floor, and a large 100-station fitness suite with its own dedicated changing area and locker facilities.
Other facilities include 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 and a four-court sports hall.
Area Contract Manager at Everyone Active, Tom Fletcher said: “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.”
With activities opening up, the new centre is running under strict COVID rules to ensure safety.
Harrow Lodge Leisure Centre is part of a huge investment in leisure and sports facilities across the borough by the Council.
This has already included Sapphire Ice and Leisure in Romford and will see plans for another new centre in the south of the borough.
Cabinet Member for Culture & Leisure, Councillor Viddy Persaud 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.”
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.
