MEMBERS of the public were able to avail of an early morning swim this morning as the new pool at Andersonstown Leisure Centre finally opened its doors.
As we reported last week, pools across the city were able to open their swimming facilities today – after almost four months of Covid-19 lockdown restrictions.
Colin’s Brooke swimming pool is to remain closed, however, due to its size and the new slides and flumes in the new £25 million Andersonstown facility will also remain closed at this stage in the reopening process.
But that didn't stop people from heading to the brand new Andersonstown pool this morning as families and friends finally got the chance to go for a dip.
Anyone wishing to use the facilities will need to pre-book a time slot via the leisure centre’s Better app or website. Due to Covid restrictions swimming pools will have double width lanes, backstroke will be prohibited and swimmers will be asked to arrive ‘beach ready’, to reduce touch points in changing rooms.
All Better members will be given access to all Better-operated facilities within Belfast for the foreseeable future. This means that members of pools that aren’t re-opening in the initial phase will be able to use alternative facilities at no additional cost.
GLL Regional Director, Gareth Kirk said: “Our first phase of re-opening has been really successful with customers and staff saying they feel safe and happy to be back.
"We’re delighted to finally be able to re-open six of our pools for club training, public lane swimming and adult and child sessions.
"Swimming is a great form of all round exercise and we have some of the best aquatic facilities in the UK and Ireland, here is Belfast.”
FUN TIME: Twins Oisin and Aoife with their brother Odhran and mum and dad Sarah and Chris Caldwell 
