THE operations director at Ruskin Drive says he is hopeful of a "good summer" ahead after the announcement of the roadmap out of the coronavirus lockdown was made.
The site, home to Ruskin Fitness Club, which underwent a £1m transformation during lockdown last year, and the Sticky Wicket restaurant and bar, has been "hit massively" by the various Covid restrictions over the past year.
On Monday the Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that in the 'four step' exit plan indoor hospitality and gyms can reopen from April 12, contingent on progress continuing over vaccination rollout and virus rates.
The newly refurbished gym
Meanwhile, from May 17, five weeks later, hospitality can reopen in full, including indoors.
Ruskin operations director Stephen Palfrey has welcomed the certainty the announcement provides.
READ > How some St Helens restaurants and pubs reacted to lockdown roadmap announcement
"We're in a unique situation, we have the hospitality side and the gym side, we have been hit massively," he said.
"We have got some dates to work with to and, really, that's the most important thing and hopefully they won't move.
"But having an idea of when you can open is a real positive."
He added that there is a plan to invest in a new outside area at the Sticky Wicket ready for the relaunch in just less than seven weeks' time.
"We are aiming to have a new outdoor eating area and drinking area at the Sticky Wicket and that will have TVs and patio and we can have that open on April 12," Stephen said.
"We're also hoping to have the gym and we should have all the swimming pool and sauna all open and a new reception and cafe at the front, with the cafe open from May 17.
"From our point of view we've tried to use this time as a positive to get a lot of work done and investment.
"We're coming back with a completely different product from last March, we have taken big strides as a business."
The newly refurbished gym
Stephen stressed that, while support packages have helped, the business and the hospitality industry needs further help ahead of the Chancellor's Budget announcement next week.
He added: "The budget is the next big thing for us. I wish they had come out today as there is a lot of worry about it, where that next bit of money comes from. Until we are open, the coffers are empty.
"They can't pull the rug out from under us. The business rates cuts and tax rates, I'd like to see that escalated and they should be extending the VAT cut."
The axing of the 'substantial meal' requirement which was brought in under the Tiers system for hospitality, has been welcomed, which Stephen described as "nearly impossible" to operate under.
He added he is hopeful for a "good summer" ahead.
"From a hospitality point of view, they are safe (places to be) though we've got to be cautious," he said.
"It's not ideal but if it stops us locking down again, let's get on with it.
"We have, hopefully, a good summer ahead and everybody can be a bit happier.
"We've got the Euros (football championships) coming up, we're a sports-related venue and that will hopefully provide a big boost in the summer."
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