Some Hull City Council-owned leisure facilities – including all leisure centres, museums and the Ferens Art Gallery – will close to the public today.
The Hull Culture and Leisure Ltd (HCAL) board met yesterday in light of the growing national crisis relating to Covid-19.
HCAL said in a statement: “Mindful of Government statements, the public advice on social distancing, given the closure of schools and wishing to do all that is practical to help stop the spread of Covid-19, following discussions with the council, it has now been agreed to close a number of council-owned facilities to the public from the end of normal working hours today.”
The sites affected are:
- All leisure centres
- All museums
- Ferens Art Gallery
- Hull History Centre
- East Park Animal Education Centre
But libraries in Bransholme Central, Ings, Greenwood Avenue and Western will remain open to the public, with all other sites closing from the end of normal hours today. Libraries at The Freedom Centre and Gipsyville will also remain open on amended hours.
All parks will remain operating as normal, although all commercial events will be cancelled due to advice on social gathering.
The statement said: “The HCAL board will keep matters under review and aims reopen sites as soon as possible, with public safety being paramount to this, but is anticipated these closures may well be in place for three months.”
The libraries that remains open will support the council in its work to help local communities.
Hull City Hall and Hull New Theatre Box Offices will suspend public-facing services from Saturday 21 March and its telephone booking line from Monday 23 March. Book tickets for future events or find show information here.
For cancelled and re-arranged performances, the box office team will contact customers direct to discuss rescheduled dates and refund options.
HCAL is a wholly owned council company that operates a range of services on behalf of Hull City Council. Find more information and updates at the HCAL website, on HCAL social media channels and through the local media.
Find out information on coronavirus-related closures here and cancellations here.
