We are updating customers with plans to ensure the Beacon Leisure Centre in Burntisland can open its doors with Covid health and safety measures in place.

The centre had been scheduled to open on Monday, October 26 as part of our re-opening programme as we kick-start facilities following the lockdown. However, the re-opening is being delayed as the layout of the centre has presented significant challenges which make delivering current social distancing requirements difficult.

The delay will not affect the facility’s synthetic turf pitches which will be made available to customers as scheduled.

As we manage and operate sports and leisure facilities on behalf of Fife Council, both parties are planning for necessary works so that it can welcome back customers, with the trust and council committed to delivering modifications so Covid measures can be put in place.

Emma Walker, chief executive of Fife Sports and Leisure Trust, said: “Following thorough risk assessments of all trust facilities, the Beacon has presented a number of challenges in relation to ensuring we meet the necessary Covid regulations to keep staff and customers safe.

“So far, we have risk assessed each trust facility on its own merits against the current Scottish Government operational criteria and that of other lead bodies, to ensure the risk of spread of Covid-19 is kept to an absolute minimum. Unfortunately, the structural layout of the Beacon Leisure Centre does not readily lend itself to achieving these controls.

“The design is such that physical distancing, without additional modifications, cannot be achieved at a suitable and sufficient level throughout the facility. We have also identified a number of challenges with regards the air ventilation system and pool water levels so that they meet new Covid specifications.

“We’d like to reassure customers that we are working hard to resolve these issues and will be posting updates on our website and social media channels.”

Convener of Fife Council’s Community and Housing Services subcommittee Cllr Judy Hamilton commented: “We have worked with FSLT and encouraged them to open the synthetic turf pitch and allow outdoor activities to be booked and organised.

“However, we are very disappointed that the rules being applied still do not allow for indoor use. We support FSLT to continue to work towards solutions to phased opening of some other areas pending any change to government advice on restrictions.  We will monitor the situation closely.”

For further information, and to take a virtual tour of the trust’s Covid safe and healthy measures in centres click here