Management at an indoor climbing attraction who felt let down by the extended lockdown in Leicester are finally planning to reopen this week.
Ben Prior, one of the owners of Social Climbing, in the Highcross shopping centre, said the Government had failed to look at the science behind local Covid-19 figures, leaving uncertainty over the jobs of his staff as the end of furlough drew closer.
However, following the latest easing of the local restrictions, the 7,500sq ft indoor bouldering centre is planning to welcome customers again from Wednesday (September 9).
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The Government has also cleared gyms, swimming pools, fitness suites and dance studios to reopen in the city from today (Tuesday, September 8).
However, bowling alleys, casinos and soft play areas must stay closed, and restrictions preventing people from different households meeting in homes or gardens remain in place.
Grosvenor managing director Jonathon Swaine had previously told Business Live he was keen for the 112 staff based in his Highcross Street casino got back to work.
Last week, Ben Prior, one of the four owners of Social Climbing, told LeicestershireLive he felt his business had been “left to rot” by the Government.
He said he and the other owners were frustrated by the Government’s decision to force businesses such as theirs to stay shut, whilst other sporting activities, such as miniature golf, were able to recommence.
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Following the most recent Government announcement, Ben told LeicestershireLive: “We can’t quite believe that the day has almost arrived for us to open our doors.
“We have put in an immense amount of preparation, the team have been working tirelessly to make sure that we are a clean safe environment.
“On top of that our head setter and setting team have put in a massive amount of effort to reset the entire centre to make it exciting for our customers.”
Wednesday will be the first time the indoor bouldering centre has been open in more than five months.
Changes include a limited capacity of 35 people, cashless transactions only, and the installation of sanitising stations, which climbers need to use on arrival and exit.
Social Climbing, which launched in September 2018, aims to be somewhere guests can enjoy both climbing and socialising.
The climbing surface – which is around 15ft high – can be explored through a variety of different routes, according to ability.
It has a retro theme is inspired by 1970s rebel climbers The Stonemasters, who pioneered climbing without ropes.