GL1 leisure centre could reopen following recruitment drive

Freedom Leisure Centre have been appointed as the new interim provider for GL1 Leisure Centre

A leisure centre that has been shut for weeks after it had to close down suddenly could reopen to the public within days.

Former employees from Oxstalls and GL1 leisure centre have been invited to a reapply for their jobs.

All 150 staff lost their jobs when charitable trust Aspire went into liquidation at the end of September.

New Leisure bosses said the facilities could reopen to the public on Saturday, if the recruitment drive is successful.

On Wednesday, Freedom Leisure announced it will run GL1 and Oxstalls until a permanent operator is found.

The non-for-profit charitable leisure and cultural trust already runs 100 venues across the UK.

(L to R) Matt Wickham, Karl Allen and Steve Wigg will run GL1 and Oxstalls under Freedom Leisure Centre

Freedom Leisure chief operating officer, Matt Wickham, said more than 100 people have attended Monday's recruitment drive.

The trust aims to train the new recruits on Thursday and Friday, with hope of reopening on Saturday.

"These are all people who used to work at the two facilities," said Mr Wickham.

It is part of Gloucester City Council's plans for a phased reopening of the leisure facilities.

Mr Wickham said they plan to open the "easiest" facilities first, such as tennis, some of the sports hall activities and some swimming facilities, depending on staff availability.

Karl Allen, area manager for Freedom Leisure in Gloucester, said they need to recruit specialist roles very quickly, such as lifeguards, duty managers, cleaners and fitness instructors.

"From what we know we've got good interest from the swim teachers and the lifeguards," he said.

"Certainly at GL1, the obvious area to look at its swimming. It is the biggest area of the business."

About 100 former employees attended the recruitment drive

New uniforms were also available at the recruitment drive so that recruits could try them on ready for reopening.

Steve Wigg, tennis operations manager, said he is looking forward to a new challenge and a fresh start.

"The last couple of weeks have been challenging for everyone. We just want to get as many people back as quickly as possible," he said.

Roles will be advertised externally after Monday's recruitment drive.

People have been interviewing for lifeguard roles at GL1

The recruitment drive has been welcomed by former staff members who are eager to get back to their jobs.

Fitness instructor Andrea Vincze said the past couple of weeks have been a "nightmare".

"I'm very happy to be back here today. I've got a lot of good luck messages from members," said Ms Vincze.

"They say they are hoping they can get back to the spin studios on Saturday mornings."

'A nightmare'

Lucy Sturdy, 18, said it as been a tough month for her and her colleagues.

"We weren't given any warning. It's nice now knowing that there are some plans for us to get back into the building," she said.

Mac Stephens, physical activity community engagement officer, relocated 5,000 miles from St Helena to work at GL1.

"Six months into the job, I was made redundant. It was a bit of a nightmare for me and the family," he said.

"Fingers crossed there's a job for me. I gave up quite a bit to come here. [I've been] working with the Commonwealth Games for 15 years.

"Hopefully after today I will get to continue with the role."