Dovedale refurbishment 2025
Exciting news - we’re making improvements to your leisure centre.
As we announced in mid-March, we are carryoing out a major refurbishment project at Dovedale Sports Centre.
These improvements will provide better facilities for everyone and will 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
To make these exciting changes, we have closed the centre during the works.
Timescale
The centre closed on Friday 13 June 2026. We expect the centre to reopen in the earlier part of 2026.
We will update you on how work is progressing through the project on this page and on our social media channels.
Membership
If you are a member at Dovedale, you should have received an email to explain your membership options.
Clubs
We worked hard with all of our clubs to help them relocate during the closure period. You can contact your club directly to find out more.
Progress of works
Work on the centre is in full swing and is making excellent progress, and the project is on time and on budget.
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."
New opening hours
When the leisure centre opens next year, we will have extended opening hours, which will allow for increased public use of the gym and exercise studios. There will also be 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
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
Get fit for less this winter
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Get active around Chelmsford
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