THE Abbey Stadium will be closed this Friday, August 20, as vital safety works are set to be carried out on site.
Last week centre bosses feared the stadium would have to close for at least a week after the centre’s fire alarm malfunctioned.
On Friday works start to replace the old panel, leaving the centre with no fire detections system and no option but to close its doors completely for one day only.
The following day, Saturday August 21, staff hope to re-open the pool, wet side changing rooms and café with usual opening times in place, but the gym, studios and sports hall will remain closed.
On Sunday August 22 the studios, which will boast extra classes, and the gym will re-open while works continue in the Sports Hall with the whole sports centre opening fully on Monday with classes, facilities and activities running as normal.
Rubicon Leisure managing director Simon Ingyon said: “First we want to apologise to all our customers and thank them for bearing with us over the last week and while we understand the plans for this weekend aren’t ideal, they are necessary to ensure the future safety of users and our staff.
“Initially we thought the stadium would be closed for a week or longer, but we have worked hard behind the scenes to come up with a plan which had as little impact on our customers as possible, especially as our Summer Holiday programme has been bigger and better than ever.
“So please keep on checking our website and social media as we will update these as the vital works take place over this weekend and there will also be information on extra classes we will be putting on to make up for the Friday and Saturday closures.”
As part of the works a cherry picker will be operating in the centre’s Atrium, to reach the ceiling, as 250 detection points are set to be changed.
Redditch Borough Council Leader Matt Dormer said: “It’s a shame we have to close on Friday but this is the most efficient and effective way to carry out this work and we thank our loyal customers for bearing with us.
“It wasn’t how we planned to end our Summer season of activities but there’s still time to enjoy them and we soon will be launching our packed Autumn programme which has something for everyone to enjoy, to improve their health and wellbeing.”
Staff are working hard to contact members and customers to rebook classes. For more details visit www.rubiconleisure.co.uk or follow the Abbey Stadium on Facebook.
