2 weeks Ago By [email protected] (Piers Meyler)
More than £2 million is being invested in refurbishing a council-run sports centre in Chelmsford. The targeted refurbishment project, set to begin in June this year, will see the Dovedale sports centre reopen in early 2026 with an expanded and remodelled gym, additional studio, and new, more energy-efficient water and heating systems. Dovedale Sports Centre, on Chelmsford College’s Moulsham Street campus, is operated by Chelmsford City Council in partnership with the college, allowing students and the public to use it jointly.
The council said the upgraded centre will provide improved facilities for all users and increased public-use hours for residents. Councillor Natacha Dudley, cabinet member for an Active Chelmsford, says the new and improved centre will benefit the local community. She said: “I’m thrilled to see this project is getting underway.
It’s been a long-held ambition of Chelmsford City Council to bring Dovedale up to the standards of our other leisure centres. This exciting project is a substantial investment in the health and wellbeing of Chelmsford’s residents and in the college’s offering to students, too." Read more: West Ham star Michail Antonio reveals he 'nearly died' as he breaks silence on horror Essex car crash Read more: The Irish pub in Essex that locals say has the best Guinness The centre was constructed in 1973 and has only seen minor upgrades since then.
The council concedes the facilities are outdated, and the building’s standards have fallen, especially compared to other council-run leisure centres. Along with 50 years of wear and tear, accessibility issues will also be addressed during the refurbishment. The gym currently has only one entrance, via a small set of stairs, making it inaccessible for wheelchair users and those with walking aids.
Councillor Dudley said: “In its current condition, maintenance and repair costs are increasing and, due to significant plant failures, investing in the building is necessary to ensure that the facility isn’t lost entirely. "The local community and college students who use the centre deserve access to great facilities – and that’s what this refurbishment will bring.” Chelmsford’s Community Infrastructure Levy will fund the centre’s refurbishment—paid by housing developers—Chelmsford City Council’s capital programme and Chelmsford College, with an overall investment totalling £2.
3 million..
