Behind The Scenes - 1Life Harpenden Leisure Centre
The all new Harpenden Leisure Centre
We recently had the pleasure of having a sneak peek around the 1Life Harpenden Leisure Centre which has undergone a multi-million-pound renovation and improvement works and will be open to the public on the 12th of April 2021.
We were surprised by how entirely different the centre looked. Previously being in desperate need of a refurb, we were happy to see so many positive changes. The rooms are spacious with heaps of natural light. The gym is very large and has ample space to add extra machinery when laws permit. The café overlooking the park and the learner pool is a great spot to sit and relax. Both swimming pools have designated seating areas and although we were hoping for a larger health suite, we are just thankful that it wasn’t fully removed being the only one in Harpenden. Everything being under one roof is heavenly as it was not always fun previously having to dash from one building to the other in the dark or cold to use different facilities, so we are sure everyone will be very pleased about that! We can’t wait to use it!
whats new?
The exciting new facility has an entirely new look and offers the local community a 25-metre main pool, training pool with moveable floor, sauna, steam room, 3 studios including spin studio, 40 group exercise classes per week, sports hall, outdoors courts, a Muga and an impressive 80 station gym and bespoke rig.
With regards to Covid and self-distancing, they have created a safe environment for users to exercise at a safe distance to other exercisers. There are designated walkways where directional signage keeps passageways distance friendly and the gym has been designed to ensure 2 metre spacing between equipment. All the studios have been marked out into individual zones to ensure distancing during classes.
Updated cleaning schedules and bookable sessions will ensure that areas are clean and the number of participants for each class has been reduced, so capacity within the facility is always controlled. Handheld fogging machines are dotted around the centre and are used to constantly provide a sanitising coating.
1Life have recently appointed a new digital partner to enable them to improve digital communications and overcome some of the GDPR issues that they’ve faced previously. They stressed to us that they are committed to improve the communication with our local community and are putting measures in place to do this. The pandemic has meant that they have had to furlough the majority of staff, meaning that there has been less staff to help and respond to specific enquiries, so they are asking everyone to be patient while they work though all communications. If you have a membership or direct debit related issue, please use the following email address only: membership@1life.co.uk. All-important service messages will be communicated via their social media pages and posted in the Harpenden Network.
To help strengthen communication further, 1Life Harpenden are currently inviting applications from local Harpenden residents and existing members of Harpenden LC to become “User Representatives”. User Reps will be an important part in ensuring communication between the centre management and its members, is two-way, and each party is kept up to date with all necessary information. For people interested in becoming User Representatives, please email gmharpenden@1life.co.uk addressing each of the below points:
- Are you able to attend monthly meetings?
- How long have you been a member at Harpenden LC and how often do you use the facility?
- Why you would like to become a Harpenden Leisure Centres User Representative and how you feel you would add value to both the local community and Harpenden LC.
Please note, they intend to have 2/3 representatives to start with and this is a voluntary position.
The team at Harpenden LC are excited to welcome back its members to what they promise you is an amazing new facility for the community of Harpenden and they hope that the actions above will help build and maintain a happy and successful relationship between Harpenden LC and the local community that they are here to serve.
Visit Harpenden Leisure Centre on Instagram
@harpendensportscentre, Email here for swim/school enquiries and here for gym or general enquiries.
www.1life.co.uk
FAQS BY 1LIFE
What are the new centre opening times?
The initial opening hours will be reduced and will stay under constant review, we aim to extend our opening hour at step 3 of the Government Roadmap – 17th May. Mon: 7:00- 20:00 Tue: 7:00- 20:00 Wed: 7:00- 21:00 Thu: 7:00- 20:00 Fri: 7:00- 20:00 Sat: 8:00- 14:00 Sun: 8:00-15:00.
I want to use the Gym or Swimming Pool, how do I book?
Please download the 1Life Live More, Live Well App, logging with your email and 4-digit pin then book.
Will the Health Suite and Crèche be open from 12th April?
We will aim to have the crèche and health suite open by step 3 on the Government roadmap 17th May.
Will Swimming Lessons return from 12th April?
Swimming Lessons will recommence from 12th April, with reduced class capacities – if you haven’t yet been able to book your child in, please remain patient, and we will be putting on more and more lesson times as the week’s progress.
When will Group Exercise return?
Group Exercise classes will return on 17th May, we will aim to share the new timetable two weeks prior.
How will car parking work?
Parking will be paid for via the parking meters located within the car park, the first two hours will be free but you will still need to collect your ticket from the pay meter.
I have an issue with my current membership, who should I contact?
For all membership related issues, please contact membership@1life.co.uk your query will be dealt with as soon as possible please don’t expect an instant response.
What COVID restrictions are in place for swimmers?
We will have three 4m spaced lanes available for each lane swimming session, these sessions need to be booked online via the App prior to attendance, and each lane will be limited to 10 swimmers per lane at any one time.
Where is the new entrance to the centre?
The new entrance is adjacent to the car park on the other side of the building, next to the skate park.
Can non-members use the café?
The café will only be open for takeaway food and drink from 12th April due to COVID restrictions, we welcome non-members to use the café but the ask that you give consideration to our members and adhere to social distancing at all times.