Transformed Dovedale Leisure Centre reopens following refurbishment

The new-and-improved Dovedale Leisure Centre is now open, after a programme of targeted refurbishment works was delivered on time and on budget. 

Moulsham’s new and improved leisure centre

Dovedale is on Chelmsford College’s Moulsham Street campus and will continue to be operated by Chelmsford City Council in partnership with the college, serving both students and the public.

Since closing in June 2025, the centre has undergone substantial improvement works. The targeted refurbishment and remodelling project has transformed Dovedale from a worn down college sports centre to a leisure centre on par with other council-run facilities Chelmsford Sport and Athletics Centre, Riverside Leisure Centre and South Woodham Ferrers Leisure Centre. 

Investment in the health of Chelmsford residents

The centre’s £2.3m refurbishment was funded by Chelmsford’s Community Infrastructure Levy (paid by housing developers), Chelmsford City Council’s capital programme and Chelmsford College.

Councillor Natacha Dudley says it’s important for Chelmsford City Council to invest in the wellbeing of its residents:

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“As a council, we want to help our residents prioritise their health. To do this, we must provide fitness facilities that are accessible, but equally that are appealing and inspiring to Chelmsford’s diverse population.

“I’m sure the local community and college students who know Dovedale will agree that this refurbishment has transformed the centre. They now have access to facilities they deserve: state-of-the-art gym equipment; a varied studio class schedule; and a sports hall to suit the many local clubs that use it, all within a welcoming, motivating environment.

“Previous investment in Chelmsford City Council leisure centres has resulted in their highest attendance numbers to date and greater customer satisfaction. I’m sure that the new Dovedale Leisure Centre will see similar results and have a positive impact on the local community.”

Cllr Natacha Dudley, Cabinet Member for an Active Chelmsford

New leisure centre meets residents’ needs

Since it was constructed in 1973 the centre had only seen minor upgrades, leaving the building in need of modernisation and its facilities outdated. When investment was first approved, the council’s Leisure team sought out feedback from centre users to inform refurbishment plans. A customer consultation in 2025 further informed developments, asking individuals and clubs what they wanted from their new leisure centre.

Updated gym equipment, a broader range of classes and an extension of public-access hours were most in demand.

New and expanded gym

The new state-of-the-art 32-station gym, equipped with the latest Technogym and Exigo machines, provides everything users need for strength training, cardio and functional workouts. The gym is designed to support a range of fitness goals and caters to all ages and abilities. Gym staff will always be on hand to help you if you are unsure – or just need a little encouragement!

Upgraded fitness studios

The centre’s existing first-floor studio space has been updated, with brand-new AV lighting and sound system, and a new, additional studio space has been created to allow for more classes.

The studio timetable has been expanded to include more morning classes and a wider range of activities, from Body Pump to gentle yoga, Dance Aerobics to Circuits.

Studio two is a new studio space, allowing Dovedale to offer more classes and an expanded timetable.

Studio one has been refurbished and fitted with a brand-new sound system and AV lighting.

Increased public-access hours

Dovedale’s opening hours have been extended to allow for public access to the gym and studios during mid-week mornings. The centre remains a dual-use site, with Chelmsford College students having exclusive access to the centre at certain times. Public access times are now as follows.

During college term-time:

• Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays: 6.30am-12pm and 5pm-11pm
• Wednesdays and Fridays: 6.30am-12pm and 5pm-10pm
• Saturdays: 7am-7pm
• Sundays: 7am-9pm

Out of term-time:

• Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays: 6.30am-11pm
• Wednesdays and Fridays: 6.30am-10pm
• Saturdays: 7am-7pm
• Sundays: 7am-9pm

Additionally, members will now benefit from parking permits, allowing for easier on-street parking if the centre car park is full.

Other centre improvements

Alongside the new and expanded gym and exercise studios, you’ll also find a refurbished sports hall, two refreshed squash courts, upgraded changing facilities and toilets, and a welcoming new reception area. 

Energy efficiency improvements have been made throughout the centre, including air source heat pumps, LED lighting and a new plant room. Accessibility issues have also been addressed, with the gym now accessible for wheelchair users and those with walking aids.

Community-focussed fitness

Physically, the centre feels completely different – thoroughly modernised and upgraded in every way – but what remains is the friendly and dedicated team of staff who are excited to welcome new and returning customers.

Dovedale has always been a space where fitness meets community, and the otherwise transformed centre will continue to be just that. Approachable, knowledgeable staff are on hand to show customers around the new centre, answer questions, and help you feel confident in your workouts. The team is passionate about creating an inclusive and inspiring environment, where everyone feels supported.

Centre Manager, Richard Nicholas, says offering a variety of movement types is important to make fitness accessible:

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“Movement is so important, for physical fitness and for mental wellbeing, but it doesn’t have to feel like a chore. With the high-performance, intuitive equipment in our new gym, even a long incline jog will fly-by, but if gym-based training doesn’t do it for you, try a class, squash, or sign up to one of the amazing local clubs practicing out of our sports hall.

“The team and I can’t wait to welcome back all our regulars and welcome in newbies, too! Dovedale’s new and improved facilities are here to make sure your workout is the highlight of your day, whether you’ve been exercising for years or you’re turning over a new leaf.”

Richard Nicholas, Centre Manager, Dovedale Leisure Centre

Improved experience for Chelmsford students

As well as benefitting members and local clubs, the improvements to Dovedale Leisure Centre will make a big difference to students at Chelmsford College, too.

David Warnes, Principal and CEO of the college, said:

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"This is a proud moment for Chelmsford College as we celebrate the opening of the new Dovedale Leisure Centre, bringing with it an opportunity to enhance the delivery of technical skills in sport, physical activity and performing arts.

“Our co investment with Chelmsford City Council demonstrates what can be achieved when local partners work with a common purpose and a long term vision for our students and the local community.

“I am very grateful to everyone who helped bring this project to life and I look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have for many years to come."

David Warnes, Principal and CEO, Chelmsford College

Thanks go to Chelmsford College for their support and to project partners Ingleton Wood LLP and Stroods Specialist Contractors, who led the refurbishment and remodelling, delivering the project on time and on budget.

Visit the new Dovedale Leisure Centre

To check out the new facilities for yourself, simply book a free trial online. If you’re a multi-site OurChelmsford member, you can use the centre as part of your membership.

New members currently get two months half price when signing up to a monthly membership plan. For more details, visit www.chelmsford.gov.uk/dovedale-offers.