A CONTROVERSIAL overhaul of Maldon's leisure centre, with climbing walls, a spa-like wellness centre and larger gym, could be completed in around a year and a half.

Blackwater Leisure Centre will also get a new training pool as well as sauna and steam rooms as part of the major refurbishment. The project has sparked anger in the community as various groups and users of the centre have been kicked out after the sports hall was closed.

Phase one of the project, including the climbing walls and upgraded gym is set to be completed in just over a yer and the rest of the revamp is expected to be finished in a further 10 months.

Earlier this year, Sir John Whittingdale, who has been the Conservative MP for Maldon since 1992, hit out at Maldon District Council saying there has been "unacceptable consultation and planning" and "little communication or support" regarding changes to the leisure centre.

The council is also bringing in various "decarbonisation" changes to the Maldon Splash Park and the leisure centre expected to make the attractions better for the environment. The council says most groups, forced to leave the centre, have chosen to relocate to the Plume Academy which is having a new sports hall built.

In a joint response from Places Leisure and Maldon District Council, a spokesperson said: "The investment work at Blackwater Leisure Centre will take place in phases over the next 13 months. The first phase began on August 18 which sees major work to the main sports hall to upgrade the space for the provision of a brand-new 150 station gym as wells as a new Clip and Climb facility. The first phase is expected to be completed in late December 2025.

"Following completion of the first phase, further investment work will be completed over ten months including upgrades to dance and group exercise studios, community spaces, a brand-new health suite and splash pad.

"Additionally, several new decarbonisation programmes will also be introduced at three sites across the Maldon district including the installation of Wind Tulips at Maldon Splash Park, LED lighting and a backwash recovery system for the swimming pool at Blackwater Leisure Centre.

"Any groups who were impacted by the investment works at Blackwater Leisure Centre were provided with options and support for relocation to allow them to continue their activities with minimal impact.

"Most groups have chosen to relocate to the Plume Academy. The school has its own development project with a brand-new four court sports hall being built which is scheduled for completion in 2026. The new facility at the Plume Academy will also be accessible to the community at evenings and weekends."