Residents 'concerned' for Maldon Blackwater Leisure centre

The main hall at Blackwater Leisure Centre is currently used for various sports, including badminton, football, and wheelchair basketball.  

Sports clubs were told earlier this month they would have to find new venues because the main hall is set to become a climbing wall centre and gym.

It follows Maldon District Council handing a 20-year contract to Places Leisure to carry out a series of “exciting” upgrades across the district as part of the council’s £6million investment plan for leisure sites and centres.

Contract - The deal was signed in April this year (Image: Maldon District Council) Several sports groups have said they were “absolutely shocked” they would have to leave the leisure centre, with some residents writing to their MPs to complain.

MPs Sir John Whittingdale and Dame Priti Patel said in a joint statement: “Residents across the district who use the Blackwater Leisure Centre are deeply concerned about the changes that have been made, lack of communications from the council and the disruption caused by needing to fund new facilities.

“The council has failed to communicate effectively and there seems to be the lack of a clear plan to support all groups affected as early as possible.

“This situation is deeply disappointing and we will keep pressing the council for answers and to do better for the district’s residents and those who use the leisure centre.”

Maldon District Council has said it remains committed to finding suitable alternative venues for the displaced sports groups where possible.

Statement - MP Dame Priti Patel said the situation is 'deeply disappointing' (Image: James Manning/ PA) Comment - MP Sir John Whittingdale said Maldon District Council 'failed to communicate effectively' (Image: James Manning/ PA) Maldon District Council leader Richard Siddall said: “The council is committed to providing timely and comprehensive information to our residents, particularly to those directly impacted by the closure.

“While the decision on the leisure contract was made by the council on November 14, 2024, it is important to note that the binding legal contract with the two organisations was not finalised and signed until April 1, 2025.

“Following this, extensive work was undertaken with our contractors throughout April and May to assess development timelines and determine whether the scheme could commence in 2025 or be delayed to 2026.

“As soon as we had clarity on the timelines, priority was given to communicating with the affected groups.

"Initial information was sent via email on June 6, 2025, encouraging these groups to contact Places Leisure to identify suitable alternative solutions.

“I would also like to highlight that Sir John Whittingdale was informed of the contract award via email on April 2 by the general manager of the Blackwater Leisure Centre.

"This email outlined key benefits of the new contract and extended an invitation to meet with Sir John and discuss the investment opportunity. Regrettably, Sir John did not take up this opportunity.

“We continue to work diligently with the directly impacted groups and remain committed to finding suitable alternative solutions where possible.”