Holbrook Leisure Centre will not reopen to the general public, Nub New can reveal today.

This decision has been made in partnership with Abbeycroft Leisure and Holbrook Academy following the disruption due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Academy is looking to work directly with sports clubs and community groups to facilitate Covid safe use of the sports halls and pitches where possible.

Abbeycroft Leisure had managed the sports centre and has been a proud partner of Holbrook Academy since September 2016 and enjoyed working with them to manage their fitness centre, sports hall and pitches.

As a not-for-profit social enterprise, their ambition is to work within the local community to offer excellent services and facilities it said in a statement that it truly enjoyed building a strong relationship with the academy during this time.

Following the closure of the centre in March, as a direct response to the government's guidelines around the pandemic, academies across the country have introduced Covid Safe measures to ensure that students and staff are kept safe.

Tom Maltby, Headteacher at Holbrook Academy said: "Holbrook Academy would like to thank Abbeycroft Leisure. Their energy and commitment made a really positive difference for our students' and for our shared community. The Academy will continue to be an outward looking school at the heart of Holbrook and we will look closely at ways of reaching out to the community following the sad closure of this important facility."

Tracey Loynds, Development Director at Abbeycroft said: "We have really enjoyed being a part of the community in Holbrook and we're sad to see this facility closed to the public. We do understand the frustration and disappointment that this will no doubt bring to members, however, the leisure industry is having to find new, innovative ways of working, so it's great news that the academy will be considering further options for community groups as well as the students."

Abbeycroft members and staff have been informed, and given guidance about their membership payments.