National Lottery players will be helping Chelmsford residents get more active and healthy thanks to a £1.5million Sport England grant towards the redevelopment of the Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre.

The funding will go towards the construction of the new leisure facility, which will include a larger 25m x 10-lane swimming pool, learner pool, splash pool and flume, as well as 120-station gym, exercise studios, café, soft play and crèche, alongside the refurbished sports hall and ice rink.

Chelmsford City Council’s cabinet member for leisure, Councillor Julia Jeapes, said “We are delighted to have been awarded this grant from Sport England and would like to thank all the National Lottery players who have made it possible.

“The redevelopment of Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre will bring a modern, first-class leisure facility to the city centre. As well as providing an affordable family-friendly leisure facility suitable for all, we will be working hard to increase participation in sport and increase activity within the community.”

Sport England is responsible for grassroots sport in England and is one of the 12 organisations, each with specialist knowledge of their sectors, which award National Lottery funding to good causes.

Sport England property director Charles Johnston said: “We are delighted to invest £1.5 million National Lottery funding in this excellent new facility which has the potential to transform the way sport and activity is provided in Chelmsford, offering new opportunities for the whole community.”

He added: “At Sport England we want everyone to have the chance to experience the benefits that come with being more active, ranging from mental and physical wellbeing to personal development. Creating excellent environments such as these, where people feel welcome and have a great experience, plays an essential role in enabling them to become more active and healthier.”

The new centre is being built next to the current leisure centre and construction is progressing well. The contractors are expected to complete the build of the new facilities by the end of the year and, following commissioning, the centre will be opening in early 2019.

While the new leisure centre is being built, on-site parking is reduced, but dedicated spaces are available for leisure centre customers at peak times. Vehicle access is via Waterloo Lane.

To find out more about the development and view some artist’s impressions, visit Chelmsford City Council’s website at www.chelmsford.gov.uk/riverside development