EA Networks Centre is closing its gym and fitness facilities an hour earlier from Monday 23 May, as another measure to help reduce operating costs.

Ashburton District Council Chief Executive Hamish Riach said the facility had been reviewing operations so it ran as cost-effectively as possible and visitor data showed only a very small number of people had been using the gym and fitness facilities in the final hour of the day.

“Like many other recreation centres around the country, Covid-19 has had a big impact on the EA Networks Centre. Closing the gym an hour earlier will help ease pressure on its budget and while it will need to be confirmed in our Annual Plan, we’re proposing to keep memberships at their current prices.

EA Networks Centre members have been emailed about the new hours and advertising is under way to update casual customers and visitors. Fitness classes won’t be affected by earlier closing time and stadium hours remain unchanged. Last month, earlier closing times were introduced for the pools and aquatic area.

Mr Riach said it made financial sense to adjust opening hours to better match customer demand. “It’s a practical step that allows us to save money for ratepayers while retaining a high level of service for the majority of visitors and the community.”

Council is also looking at ways it can attract new customers through development of a business and marketing plan. Staff have recently completed a community survey which gathered feedback on the facility and looked at how it might serve the needs of the district in the future.

Mr Riach said EA Networks Centre was an important asset for the district and feedback from users confirmed they enjoyed what it had to offer.

Gym hours from 23 May 2022:
* Weekdays – 5.45am to 8pm
* Weekends – 7am to 6pm

Stadium hours:
* Weekdays – 5.45am to 9pm
* Weekends – 7am to 7pm

Pool, Spa and Sauna hours:
* Weekdays – 5.45am to 7pm
* Weekends – 7am to 5pm