Following our upgrade, Dovedale Leisure Centre is now open!
Dovedale refurbishment 2025
We’ve undergone a major reconstruction and we’re ready to welcome you back.
As we announced in March 2025, Dovedale Leisure Centre has undergone a complete transformation, and we can’t wait for you to see the results.
The centre officially closed on Friday 13 June 2025 and we are now ready to welcome you to your new local leisure centre. We may have gone through some changes, but our strong community spirit and welcoming, friendly ethos has stayed the same.
These improvements will provide better facilities for everyone and include:
- expanded and fully refurbished gym, with new equipment
- fully refurbished studio space and a new additional studio
- refreshed sports hall
- two refreshed squash courts
- extension to form a new welcoming reception area
- refurbished and remodelled changing facilities and toilets
- new AV lighting and sound system throughout fitness facilities
- energy efficiency improvements throughout the centre, including air source heat pumps, LED lighting and a new plant room
New opening hours
We now have extended opening hours, which will allow for increased public use of the gym and exercise studios. There is also an expanded class timetable, including mid-week morning classes.
During college term-time, the centre will be open on:
- Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6.30am to 12pm and 5pm to 11pm
- Wednesdays and Fridays from 6.30am to 12pm and 5pm to 10pm
- Saturdays from 7am to 7pm
- Sundays from 7am to 9pm
Out of term-time, the centre will be open on:
- Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6.30am to 11pm
- Wednesdays and Fridays: 6.30am to 10pm
- Saturdays from 7am to 7pm
- Sundays from 7am to 9pm
A positive effect on the community
Andrew Marchant, the Senior Associate from our building surveyor Ingleton Wood had this to say:
"We’re proud to be working in partnership with Chelmsford City Council and Stroods Specialist Contractors to help transform the Dovedale Sports Centre into a modern, welcoming, and energy-efficient facility that will benefit the whole community.
"The refurbishment and remodelling not only enhance the quality and versatility of the existing leisure spaces, but also support the centre’s long-term sustainability through significant energy efficiency upgrades.
"It’s exciting to see these plans coming to life, creating a space that encourages active, healthy lifestyles for years to come."
Gallery of works in progress
Reception works in progress
Changing room works in progress
Studio works in progress
Gym works in progress
Visual plans for new gym
Visualisation of gym with leg press, chest press and other equipment
Visualisation of gym with running machines and other equipment
Visualisation of gym with stationary bikes and other equipment
Visualisation of gym with dumbbell benches and other equipment
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