Peterborough City Council has proposed City College Peterborough and Peterborough Limited to take over the running of leisure and heritage services in the city.
Since Vivacity announced in June it would be terminating its contract with the council due to the impact of the coronavirus lockdown, they have been working closely with Peterborough City Council to see what services will be able to open before the end of a 90 day period to manage the transition.
They’ve had to take into account the Government’s latest announcements regarding the re-opening of leisure facilities and social distancing restrictions that will need to be adhered to and the current impact of Covid-19 on Peterborough.
The council intends to transfer culture, heritage and library services to the City College Peterborough, which is a function of the council and to transfer leisure and all other services to Peterborough Limited (Aragon Direct Services).
Councillor Steve Allen, cabinet member for housing, culture and recreation said: “I would like to thank city residents for their continued patience. This is a complex transition involving the future of different services, venues and staff, made even more difficult by the higher than average Covid-19 infection rates in the city.
“Both the City College and Peterborough Limited who operate Aragon Direct Services are council controlled with experience in commercial and service led areas and as such are ideal for taking over the running of leisure and heritage in our city.
“We look forward to welcoming Vivacity staff into these respective services.”
If services re-open before the transfer date they will initially be run by Vivacity before the proposed transfer to Peterborough City Council or one of its subsidiaries on September 17.
The Central Library is already open once again with a restricted service from 10am–4pm Monday to Friday, and 10am–2pm on Saturday, however the Open+ (the library self-service option) isn’t in operation.
Other libraries will be opened in a phased approach starting from August 24 with Bretton, Orton and Werrington the first libraries to re-open in time for the start of the school term and smaller libraries opening by the end of September.
Vivacity Premier Fitness, the Regional Swimming Pool and the Athletics Track will re-open on Monday August 17 with various safety measures in place.
Jack Hunt, Bushfield, Hampton and Werrington leisure centres will open at a later date, but before the end of September.
The Peterborough Lido and Bretton Water Park won’t be opening this season but there will be a grand re-opening of both in 2021 instead.
Plans are still being worked on to re-open The Key Theatre, Museum and Flag Fen.