Our Colchester BID launches board to guide recovery of leisure sector
A recovery strategy is being created to support leisure businesses
Last updated 9th Apr 2021
A recovery strategy is being created to support leisure businesses in Colchester after the coronavirus pandemic.
Our Colchester Business Improvement District (BID) has launched the Leisure Recovery Board, which is a group of 25 stakeholders.
It aims to set out a five year plan of how to get the sector out of the BIDs’ COVID-19 Recovery Framework 'recovery' stage and into its 'transformation' stage.
The framework includes four key steps: Crisis, pre-recovery, recovery, and transformation.
As other sectors within the town centre already move into the 'recovery' stage, the leisure sector is still facing the 'crisis' stage.
Across the UK, the leisure sector has lost on average £90 million a week, and is estimated to be more than a year behind in recovery from the effects of the pandemic.
Through the Leisure Recovery Board, hard-hit businesses will have the chance to voice their concerns and work towards practical solutions and transformation.
The budget will focus on delivering, conversations with leisure experts, research with leisure businesses and consumers, preparing for transformation with specific audience targeted offers, and adaptable solution development.
Our Colchester BID is said to be working towards sustaining a town centre with a wide offering for everyone and providing individually tailored support for businesses.
Sam Good, manager of Our Colchester BID said:
"Similar to when we launched the Indie Vision in May 2020 focused on investment and a clear plan for supporting independent businesses, the BID has identified the need for a clear and concise roadmap out of restrictions from COVID-19 for our leisure sector.
"We have listened to our businesses wants and needs and it is clear that we must recover together as one town centre.
"We must all understand that town centre’s need the leisure sector, who often breath life into urban areas, certainly in our case for Colchester town centre.
"The strategy will be developed with a stronghold of business representatives for across the leisure sector alongside the BID and partners including Essex Police and local authorities to ensure all areas are considered."
Andy Starr, chair of Pubwatch and director for the BID added:
"Many leisure businesses have had to endure severe reductions in capacity or have not been able to physically open at all.
"The creation of the Leisure Recovery Board and strategy provides an opportunity for businesses to work together with the BID and stakeholders towards recovery."
Meanwhile Osman Raish, who is the owner of Silk Road, said:
"Pubs and bars have been hard-hit with the pandemic; restrictions have left businesses struggling to make enough to keep the doors open.
"With the April reopening outdoor only restrictions, we’re running at only 10 per cent capacity.
"We’re keen to reopen but the reduced capacity makes it difficult to feel like progress is being made.
"The support that the BID and the council are providing by creating the Leisure Recovery Board is of great value for wet-led businesses.
"It’s hoped that if the roadmap provided by the government is accurate, we can look forward to recovery."
Lockdown eases further on Monday
Hairdressers and nail salons can reopen
From 12th April, personal care premises including hairdressers and beauty and nail salons will be permitted to reopen.
Outdoor hospitality resumes
From 12th April, pubs, restaurants and other hospitality venues will be allowed to serve people outdoors. There will be no need for customers to order a substantial meal with alcoholic drinks and no curfew, although you must order via table service.
Non-essential retail will resume
Non-essential retail can resume from 12th April.
Gyms reopen
Indoor leisure facilities such as gyms can reopen from 12th April (but only for use by people on their own or in household groups). Spas will also reopen, but saunas and steam rooms will remain closed until stage 3.
Self contained accommodation
Self-contained accommodation such as campsites and holiday lets where indoor facilities are not shared with other households can also reopen in Step 2 of lockdown easing, taking place on the 12th April.
Driving lessons will resume
From 12th April driving lessons will be allowed to resume, as will theory tests, motorcycle lessons, lorry lessons and tests, car and trailer tests and minibus lessons and tests. Driving tests will restart from 22nd April.
Public buildings will reopen
Public buildings including libraries and community centres will also be allowed to reopen from 12th April.
Outdoor attractions will reopen
Outdoor attractions including zoos, theme parks and outdoor cinemas can reopen from 12th April.
Two care home visitors per resident
Each care home resident will be allowed two designated visitors from 12th April instead of one.
More guests at weddings and funerals
Up to 15 guests can attend weddings, outdoor receptions and commemorative events including wakes from 12th April. Meanwhile, up to 30 people can attend funerals.