Maldon's most popular leisure centre it set to get a huge revamp that will include a new, larger gym and, controversially, turning the sports hall into a climbing wall.

Blackwater Leisure Centre is also planning to remove the former jungle river feature from poolside, planning to build a new training pool as well as updated sauna and steam rooms. A new 75-square-metre splash pad will also be installed.

Inside the proposed 'Wellness Suite'. (Credit: Places Leisure)

However, the plans will mean the closure of the main sports hall, which has sparked anger and concerns from local sports groups that will be forced out of the centre.

Many of the groups insist there will be nowhere else for them to go once the hall closes. 

Places Leisure, which runs Blackwater Leisure Centre, Dengie Hundred Sports Centre, and Splash Park in Promenade Park, is investing around £6 million across the sites.

The company says the improvement works "will benefit the wider community within the district of Maldon, including some harder-to-reach groups."

Blackwater Leisure Centre will have a "state-of-the-art" gym, which will be 35 per cent larger and have 105 stations with fitness equipment.

How the planned gym at the leisure centre could look. (Credit: Places Leisure)

The development will also include a new wellness suite equipped with a sauna, steam room, drench showers, relaxation spaces, and a salt sauna.

The centre will have the new addition of the climbing centre, with several interactive climbing walls as well as other climbing walls for people to learn the basics of rock climbing. The improvements will be completed in phases over the next 18 months, with the first phase at Blackwater Leisure Centre due to begin in August 2025. 

Plans for the new ClipNClimb climbing walls at the centre. (Credit: Places Leisure)

 Mark Taylor, contract manager at Places Leisure, said: "Our teams see daily the benefits and impact these centres bring to the local community.

"We are committed to improving the facilities for everyone and making physical activity more accessible for all, that's why we are investing over £6million across the sites as part of the new contract.

 "The first phase of investment works will require the closure of the main sports hall at Blackwater Leisure Centre to allow for major improvement works to be completed. Unfortunately, this will mean users of the hall will no longer be able to use the space.

"We are sorry for the disruption this may cause. Finding permanent alternative venues for these users is a priority." 

More pictures of the planned wellness suite, a farcry from the current sauna and steam rooms at the centre. (Credit: Places Lesiure)

 Leader of the Maldon Council, Richard Siddall, said: "This investment will ensure the centre is modernised and meets the needs of the district for the next 20 years.

"With any change, there will be disruption, and the council and Places Leisure are working with the groups to manage this change.

"The investment will provide a wide range of state-of-the-art equipment and new facilities for visitors and members, which will help them to maintain an active mind, body and soul and support a healthy lifestyle."