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Rochford District Council is considering a £4.4 million programme to modernise, expand and upgrade its leisure centres.
This week the Strategy, Finance & Policy Committee recommended allocating the funding to Clements Hall Leisure Centre and Rayleigh Leisure Centre, with a final decision due at Full Council on 17 February.
The council-owned facilities are operated by Everyone Active.
At Clements Hall, proposals include a full refurbishment of the poolside, pool viewing area and changing village, including a changing place facility. The fitness offer would be increased through further refurbishment of the existing gym to create a health hub using EGYM equipment, plus an enhanced free weights and functional training space. The Group Exercise programme would be expanded with a large studio in the Rochford Suite, a reformer studio, a refreshed group cycling studio and a wellness studio.
At Rayleigh Leisure Centre, the café, café back of house and creche areas would be reconfigured to host an enlarged gym with additional floor space and stations to meet demand. The first-floor gym would be refurbished to create a large multipurpose area for the group exercise programme and for hire by the local community for dance, martial arts and similar clubs, alongside a refresh of the existing studio.
Councillor Danielle Belton, Leader of Rochford District Council and Chair of the Strategy, Finance & Policy Committee, said: "In our last budget survey, residents told us they wanted to see more investment in our leisure centres – and that is what we are doing. This proposed £4.4m investment in Clements Hall and Rayleigh Leisure Centres will transform these facilities by delivering modern gyms, improved swimming facilities, upgraded changing areas, refreshed studios and new energy‑efficient improvements.
"These upgrades will boost participation, improve residents’ health and wellbeing, and reduce social isolation, while generating the additional income needed to fully fund the project. This is how we can support stronger, healthier, more active communities across the district."
