Reopening of Mark Hall Sports Centre

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State-of-the-art sporting facilities are poised to reopen to help people in Harlow keen to get fit after lockdown. 

Mark Hall Sports Centre, now under the management of BMAT, is set to reopen as soon as government restrictions allow. 

The current roadmap out of lockdown suggests formally organised outdoor sports can resume from March 29. 

When confirmed, the easing of safety measures will enable the sports centre to welcome back local clubs including Langley Colts FC, Harlow Athletic Club, Harlow Running Club, and Park Run and Beyond. 

From April 12, it is hoped indoor facilities will be allowed to reopen for use by people on their own or with their household, with indoor adult group sports – including Tegate and Crosskeys Netball Clubs - and exercise classes expected to resume from May 17. 

New partnerships have also been confirmed with Norwich City FC - holding their Regional Development Programme Soccer School for the first time at an Essex venue this Easter – and Changing Lives, which aims to increase physical activity in the community and prevent children from involvement in antisocial behaviour and gang activity. 

Lucia Glynn, BMAT head of operations, said: “The dates and plans are dependent on the national progress of the pandemic situation and the government being in a position to confirm it is safe to reopen on the dates outlined in the current roadmap. 

“In the meantime, we have undertaken a full review of the facilities at the sports centre - which came into our organisation in January - and ensured they are fit for purpose and up to our expected standards. Our top priority has been ensuring the centre is Covid-secure to give users – both old and new – confidence in the facilities. 

“We have created a number of new jobs – full-time, part-time and casual opportunities – and are looking for enthusiastic people to fill these roles, which will be advertised on our website. 

“We are developing a programme of classes to help the community to get fit again after lockdown, will be offering a GP referral programme for those new to exercise and are excited to see the centre come alive with activities for the whole community soon.” 

In recent years, the centre has seen significant investment and has state-of-the-art 3G football pitches, athletics track, as well as gym, indoor hall and outside sports courts. 

A public meeting is being held by BMAT, chaired by Robert Halfon MP, to give the community an opportunity to ask questions about the reopening. 

Attend the public meeting, on March 25 at 5pm, by visiting https://tinyurl.com/MHSCMarch21 
Submit written questions before March 23 via https://tinyurl.com/MHSCQuestions 
Visit https://www.markhallsportscentre.co.uk to contact the centre or for all future information for memberships, bookings and classes.