WORK on the major redevelopment of Chelmsford’s Riverside leisure centre is gathering pace with the existing ice rink and sports hall set to be linked to the new building in October.

Once complete, the new centre will provide a leisure and ice facility unlike any other in Essex.

Construction has been underway since July 2017 to create the complex and is progressing rapidly.

The current centre already houses a high-quality ice rink and sports hall, which are being retained as part of the new development in an innovative design.

First-floor walkways will be built to connect them to the new facilities.

Councillor Julia Jeapes, cabinet member for eisure, said, “Work on the exciting new facilities is progressing well, and with visitor numbers to Riverside as high as ever, I would like to express the council’s thanks to our customers for their continued support during the construction work.

“Whilst careful management and planning with the contractor Kier has enabled the Riverside facilities to remain open since the contract commenced in July 2017, I apologise to our valued customers for any inconvenience that these final phases of the project might cause.

“Looking forward, it will be great to see the new centre open and providing a fantastic new environment for everyone to enjoy.”

So that this critical work can be undertaken, the Sports Hall and Studio One will close from Monday 22 October, and the Ice Rink from Monday 29 October, and will remain closed until the new centre opens in Spring 2019.

Customers who use the Sports Hall will be directed to use the council’s other centres at Dovedale Sports Centre and Chelmsford Sports and Athletics Centre during this period to minimise impact on other activities.

The rest of the centre’s facilities, including the swimming pool and gym, will remain open as normal except for a 5-to-7-day full centre closure in November.

For more information and FAQs on the new Riverside Ice & Leisure Centre, visit www.chelmsford.gov.uk/riversidedevelopment.