Chelmsford’s new Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre work could begin ‘within months’

Ambitious plans for Chelmsford’s new Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre have been unanimously approved at a planning committee meeting.City council chiefs want to demolish the leisure centre and build a new one which is “plugged in” to the existing ice rink and sports hall site, with access to all areas via a state-of-the-art main lobby.A plan for costs, expected to total around £21.6million, is set to go before the full council on July 12, after planning permission was granted earlier this month.The revamp will include a new swimming pool, splash zone, water flume and a gym which is 30 per cent bigger than the current facility.There will also be health and fitness studios, a spin studio and a room for treatment and therapy in the new setup, which the council say will be more environmentally friendly.City council cabinet member for leisure, Councillor Julia Jeapes, revealed work will start “very quickly” after the plan is considered by full council in July.The leisure centre will remain open to the public during the work, before being demolished within three months of the new build’s launch, which is due late next year.