The final business case for the proposed redevelopment of the Brentwood Centre will be presented to Brentwood Borough Council’s Assets and Strategy Committee on Thursday 12 November. If approved, the project, estimated at £29 million, will see the construction of a larger, better-laid-out gym, a health hub, and three new floodlit, state-of-the-art football pitches.
The redevelopment, to be managed by leading national operator Everyone Active, includes a larger ground-floor gym in a new single-storey extension, four activity rooms for classes, and a health hub with potential for collaboration with health partners on prevention and rehabilitation. Additionally, there will be three floodlit 3G pitches – two for football and one for football and rugby – complete with new changing rooms and a club room. The plans also feature an improved car park with extra spaces and accessible design throughout, including Changing Places facilities.
The council anticipates that the upgrades will lead to more classes, year-round pitch availability for clubs, schools, and women’s and girls’ teams, and enhanced support for individuals managing long-term health conditions. The aim is to increase the number of regularly active people at the centre by approximately 50%, reaching around 5,900 individuals.
The council has already allocated £23 million for the project. The committee is being asked to recommend an additional £3.8 million from Full Council, bringing the total public investment to £26.8 million. The Football Foundation has also contributed £2.2 million towards the pitches and associated facilities.
While the centre is expected to remain open as much as possible during construction, businesses leasing space will need to relocate before building work commences. The council is actively assisting displaced tenants in finding new premises. Brentwood Community Radio has already moved, and the Talking Newspaper will relocate to the Town Hall in December. Support remains available for other tenants.
The committee meeting is scheduled for 7pm on Thursday 12 November at Brentwood Town Hall. The proceedings will be broadcast live on YouTube, and the full meeting papers are available on the Brentwood Borough Council website.
