New Leisure System Gets Set to Go Live

An exciting new digital system will give leisure centre members and discount card holders more control of their fitness when it goes live this later month.

The new management system is set to enhance the experience for leisure centre users, providing more flexibility and making it easier for them to book, and check-in to, their swim, gym and fitness sessions.

The changes are being implemented across the Council's six leisure centres from Thursday 24 November and include:

• A new mobile app providing an easier and faster way for people to book, pay for and keep track of their classes and activities using their smart phones. The app will also help leisure members keep up-to-date with the latest news;
• Self-serve kiosks enabling people to collect sauna wristbands and check-in and book activities without the need to queue at leisure centre receptions
• Electronic check-in for class programmes using new tablets installed outside studios.

Non-members and people who don't have smart phones or access to the internet will still be able to book sessions over the phone and pay and check-in at leisure centre receptions.

Councillor Joan Atkinson, Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council with responsibility for Culture and Leisure, said: "We're looking forward to seeing the new leisure system going live shortly.

"It's a fresh new look and feel for our leisure system that introduces a range of modern, and innovative features and gives leisure users more control of their fitness regimes.

"With hundreds of fitness classes, swim and gym sessions available across our leisure portfolio, this new approach streamlines the bookings and payments system, making it easier for people to access leisure services. The greater range of online self-service capabilities also offers more flexibility.

"This investment in the leisure ICT is sure to improve the experience for those visiting our centres as we support our residents to lead healthy and active lifestyles."

The new Legend software will also enable the Council to get a better insight into its customer base through improved tracking and reporting systems. This means that services can be further developed to better meet customers' needs in future.

More details about South Tyneside's leisure centres and services is available at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/leisure