Bicester businesses excited and ready to reopen next week

They have been closed since the end of last year, but places are now set to welcome customers back.

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Anytime Fitness Bicester will reopen on Monday where both new and returning gym members will find the same safety measures that were introduced last year.

This includes spaced equipment, increased cleaning regimes and self-service cleaning stations.

People must also pre-book their visit using a Gym Reservation System to ensure capacity of the club is managed.

Lesley Thompson, co-owner of the gym, said: “We’re eagerly awaiting the chance to welcome back the community. The safety of the public is our number one priority and we hope people feel comfortable with the range of safety measures that will be in place.”

With gyms being closed for such a long time, Anytime Fitness is providing all members with a free training plan to help them transition back into the gym environment.

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Co-owner Cat Cook said: "The training plan we’ve created is to help people gradually build up to their previous levels of fitness and get back into a routine. With darker nights and adverse weather, this has arguably been the toughest lockdown yet to stay active and we’re looking forward to helping improve the physical and wellbeing of the nation as we hopefully begin to emerge into more positive times.”

The town's newest gym, PureGym, at Bicester Shopping Park is not opening and a date has not yet been confirmed as to when it will be.

But Bicester Leisure Centre will open and people are being asked to book online or via the app to make sure numbers are managed.

Classes will be taking place outdoors and like Anytime Fitness, hygiene stations will be available and equipment will be spaced out.

Climbing centre Clip 'n Climb on Bessemer Close will be opening its doors again on Monday as a sports facility.

Managing director Keely Weir says climbing is a good way to strengthen physical and mental health as we come out of lockdown and is reminding people that adults are also welcome to climb.

She said: “We know that climbing is good for both your physical and mental wellbeing. We believe that children will enjoy exercising with their parents. We see these restrictions upon us as an opportunity to share with more mums and dads just how much fun climbing is for adults too and it is not just for kids."

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Bicester Village is also ready to reopen on Monday from 8am to 8pm with its shopping protocols like before in place.

Face coverings must be worn at all times, temperatures will be checked on arrival, hand washing and sanitising stations will be installed across the site and shoppers can book a space in a digital queue at some of the boutiques.

Bicester residents can finally get their hair cut by a professional as barbers and hair salons reopen too.

Emily Douglas who runs Phoenix Hair Salon in Sheep Street is excited to see customers again on Tuesday.

She said: "Preparation started a few weeks ago, it’s a lot to learn and put into place, with all the new legislation that comes with the pandemic. Making sure my staff and clients are all safe and happy is my number one priority.

"I'm super happy to be welcoming customers back in to see us. The salon environment has changed a little since this all started but we’re trying to keep the experience as enjoyable as it can be, all PPE considered."

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