The Arch climbing wall in Bermondsey is reopening from April 12, writes Kit Heren…
Government rules on indoor sports venues mean that the Arch can open from the second full week of April – provided people stick to social distancing rules.
For the Arch’s Building One, on Drummond Road, that means visitors to the climbing centre have to book to come at the busiest times. This allows staff to clean for half an hour at the end of each slot before new arrivals come in.
The Arch has also put in a one-way system and visitors have to wear masks when they are not climbing. Anyone over 16 who comes to the centre has to check in on the NHS app.
Gyms and other indoor leisure activities are being opened up from April 12 as part of the gradual lifting of restrictions, provided people stick to household groups when they go. Outdoor sports centres have been open from March 29. Scientists think that Covid-19 is much less likely to spread outdoors than indoors.
A spokesman for the centre said: “Despite the stricter measures, we’ve found people are just so happy to be able to do what they love once again, and given how tough this lockdown has been for so many of us, we know it’ll be a great feeling to open our doors up once again!
Email info@archclimbingwall.com or book a slot at www.archclimbingwall.com/booking