We're delighted that your Leisure Centres Heywood Sports Village, Littleborough Sports Centre, Middleton Arena and Rochdale Leisure Centre have now re-opened for gym and swimming sessions.
Touchstones Rochdale has re-opened with exciting exhibitions - Harmony, Contrast & Discord, We Can Do It! War's Other Voices, What's Changed and From the Edge: Ebor Studio Members - supported by a variety of events. Click here for more details.
Enjoy an activity on the water at Hollingworth Lake. Choose a pedalo, stand up paddleboard, electric boat, rowing boat or sit on top kayak and enjoy the stunning surroundings.
As always, the safety of our members and staff is our highest priority. On re-opening, the same high safety standards will remain in place in each centre, so customers and staff can return to centres with confidence. We ask customers to keep up the support that they showed last year by wearing face masks/coverings when moving through the centre or when spectating.
All activities must be pre-booked. Click here to book
We can't wait to see you soon.
Roadmap to Reopening for all activities and facilities
Following guidance, we have a Roadmap to Reopening to give details of when activities and facilities are able to return. Click here to view the roadmap
Link4Life At Home
Click here to access Link4Life At Home
As a charity working in the heart of the borough, we know that our centres and activities are important to you and that staying active and being connected with others is more important that ever at this time as we look after our physical and mental wellbeing. You’re the reason why we do what we do and we look forward to welcoming you back as soon as possible!
As always, the health and safety of you and our staff has always been our highest priority and we have developed all of our new procedures, safety measures, risk assessments and training with leading industry bodies like UKActive and Swim England and guidance from Public Health Rochdale so you can be sure that you are in the best hands to protect you and our team at all times.
Things may look a little bit different when you come back to your centre but it’ll mean that that you can continue to enjoy your activities whilst keeping safe. We've put together some useful information in the FAQ's below to answer any questions that you have. These will be updated as and when we have get more information so please continue to check regularly.
FAQ'sYes, we’re confident in our ability to minimise the risk of infection and keep our members and staff safe.
We have enhanced cleaning procedures to ensure the highest standards of cleanliness and disinfection and will have stringent social distancing measures to create a safe environment for you.
We are also asking members and staff not to visit the centre if they feel unwell or have Covid-19 symptoms and there will be clear signage to reflect this.
Staff and members will both have a responsibility for creating a clean and safe environment for everyone. We’ve implemented:
- Training: Our staff have undertaken cleaning training including Covid-19 awareness and Infection Control.
- Sanitisation stations: Hand sanitisation will be compulsory when entering the centre and stations will be located throughout for access to sanitisation and equipment cleaning supplies
- Protection: We have installed plastic protective shields at reception desks and will be providing PPE for our staff in line with Public Health England (PHE) recommendations
- Enhanced cleaning process: Our team will be carrying out regular cleaning and disinfection regimes throughout the day and we’re asking members to support this by cleaning each piece of equipment before and after their workout.
- Increased cleaning hours: The centre and equipment will be sanitised regularly throughout the day and will be deep cleaned every night when the centre closes. Deep cleaning will also take place between every session ready for customers attending the next session slots.
- Social distancing signage: This includes floor markers showing where to stand and where relevant, directional signs indicating one way systems.
- Pre-booked sessions: All activities must be pre-booked.
- Modified capacities for all activities: We will be limiting how many people will be able to use the gym, swimming pool and group exercise classes at any one time.
- Equipment: Gym equipment will be spaced for social distancing.
There will be no swimming equipment available for use. If you wish to use a noodle or float then you must bring your own. - Swim session booking: The pool will be spaced for social distancing with Adult Lane Swimming sessions available only. All swim sessions will need to be pre-booked.
- Workout classes: Studio capacity will be reduced for group exercise classes to adhere to social distancing. When you’re waiting for your class, please follow social distancing rules and clear the studio space as quickly as you can when the class has finished.
- Shorter classes: Classes will be between 30 and 45 minutes, to allow time for cleaning and to allow members to leave the studio safely.
- Fewer lockers: Lockers will be available but the number will be reduced to ensure that there is an appropriate distance between them. We ask customers to limit the number of personal belongings that they bring to the centre to help to reduce the number of people in the changing rooms, and where possible please arrive dressed ready for your session.
- Fewer showers and cubicles: Where possible, we ask that people shower at home after their activity.
Yes, it will be compulsory for members and staff to use hand sanitiser at the entrance of the centre. There will also be numerous sanitisation stations located throughout the centre. Disinfectant wipes will be available for you to clean your equipment and mats before and after use.
Our staff will be risk assessed for the need for protection e.g. face coverings/visors.
In line with Public Health England and UKActive guidance, our team will be provided with adequate PPE to ensure both their own safety and yours. Public Health England guidance states that PPE should be used where physical distancing can’t be maintained, or the possibility for exposure is high so members of staff will be wearing PPE where the social distancing rule can't be adhered to, when providing care or undertaking close proximity work.
Gloves can be contaminated with germs which are difficult to remove, so regular handwashing and using antibacterial hand sanitiser is deemed to be more hygienic.
- Where do I have to wear a face covering / mask?
In all circulation areas, pool galleries and whilst spectating. You do not need to wear a mask whilst participating in an activity.
- At what point do I not need to wear a mask if I am using a pool session?
You should wear a face mask to the entry to the changing room, once in the changing room you are not required to wear one. Once changed and ready for a swim you are deemed to be participating in the activity. You should leave your mask in your locker during your swim and use it when you have finished your swim, whenyou are changing and leaving the changing area to exit the centre.
- Where should I store my mask during my workout in the gym?
You should carry your mask with you at all times. The mask can be kept upon your person or within the cup holders on gym equipment. Face masks/cannot be left at the gym desk. Personal belongings and bags are still not permitted within the gym environment. In line with the enhanced cleaning measures that we have in place, please ensure that you sanitise the equipment prior to using (and storing your mask within it) and after you have finished.
- I am attending a class, when do I take off my mask?
When your station is set up and you are ready to commence activity. The mask should be placed at the side of the studio/hall/at your station ensuring that the inside of the mask does not touch the floor.
- At what age should a user wear a mask?
All users (unless exempt) must wear a mask/covering if they are over the age of 11. Ages 11 and under are not required to wear a mask.
- I am spectating a game of badminton or my child taking part in a session; do I need to wear a mask?
Yes, you must wear a mask to spectate.
- I am a Carer supporting another user to take part in their activity, do I need to wear a mask?
Yes, unless you have paid to participate in that activity. If you are supporting another person, you will need to wear a mask/covering.
We ask customers and staff not to visit the centre if they feel unwell or have Covid-19 symptoms.
Please follow the instructions from staff at all times. Staff are working hard to to make sure that you all feel safe when you are able to return.
Gym sessions are set in 90 minutes time slots (75 minutes at Littleborough Sports Centre) and swimming sessions will vary in length depending on the activity.
You can attend multiple sessions in one day i.e. gym and a swim, but ALL sessions must be pre-booked.
During the latest lockdown, we have worked on a new upgraded online booking system to make it easier for members and customers to book. To start online booking, register here
In between sessions, staff will carry out full sanitisation of areas before the next session starts.
Group exercise classes return in Step 3 of Government's Roadmap to Reopening
Group exercise classes and organised indoor sport returns in step 3 of the Government's roadmap to reopening. This means that we are unable to run all group exercise classes and badminton and table tennis sessions until 17 May (at the earliest). We will stay up to date with Government guidance and keep you updated about activities returning in the coming weeks.
ALL sessions must be pre-booked
During the latest lockdown, we have worked on a new upgraded online booking system to make it easier for members and customers to book. To start online booking, register here
Group exercise classes return in Step 3 of Government's Roadmap to Reopening
Group exercise classes and organised indoor sport returns in step 3 of the Government's roadmap to reopening. This means that we are unable to run all group exercise classes and badminton and table tennis sessions until 17 May (at the earliest). We will stay up to date with Government guidance and keep you updated about activities returning in the coming weeks.
The changing rooms are open but to adhere to social distancing, showers and lockers are limited. We encourage you to shower and get changed at home if possible.
Please note that the changing rooms at Littleborough Sports Centre will be closed.
Please limit your personal belongings and only use a locker if absolutely necessary.
Unfortunately, hair dryers are unavailable.
You don't need to be a member to use the centres and take part in activities.
Currently, all users must have a card to gain access. Sign up for a free YourLink4Life card at www.link4life.org/join.
Click here for step-by-step instructions of how to sign up
You'll then need to pre-book ALL activities.
During the latest lockdown, we have worked on a new upgraded online booking system to make it easier for members and customers to book. To start online booking, register here
Please send details of your enquiry to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Please remember to include your name and the centre that you are a member at.
If you are not shielding at home, you are more than welcome to visit the centre if you are a member.
Please remember that all activities must be pre-booked before attending.
During the latest lockdown, we have worked on a new upgraded online booking system to make it easier for members and customers to book. To start online booking, register here
From Thursday 24 September, it is a legal requirement for all leisure and hospitality venues to display a NHS Test and Trace QR code poster.
On every visit, customers and visitors are encouraged to scan the QR code to help in the fight against Coronavirus (Covid-19). The posters will be placed at the entrance of the venue or next to the check-in kiosks to minimise any delay to you entering the venue.
It is not mandatory for customers/visitors to download the NHS Covid-19 app and scan the venue QR code, but as many people as possible are encouraged to use it to enable us to play our part and help stop the spread of the virus.
Please note that the app and scannning the QR poster does not replace the robust booking system that we have had in place since Link4Life venues re-opened which will be used for Test & Trace purposes where required.
Full details of the NHS covid-19 app can be viewed at www.covid19.nhs.uk/ or by watching the video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=um0qeXj1hnw&
If you have any questions, the NHS have put together FAQ's which can be viewed on their website www.faq.covid19.nhs.uk/ including what if I don't have a smartphone?
We thank you for your understanding and co-operation and ask that you remain patient and kind with members of our team.
How to register for Online Bookings
Freeze your membership
If you pay by monthly direct debit, simply click on the button above.
- Please enter your reference number - which can be found on your bank statement (example shown below)
2. Please enter your postcode
3. Click Login
4. Freeze your membership
If you have paid up front, in full for an annual membership. please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and one of our team will place your membership on hold.
Members will be able to freeze for up to 3 months, but we will review this as restrictions are lifted and Government guidance changes.
Welcome back: useful information for your visit (external link - You Tube)
