Facilities at Riverside Leisure Centre

Riverside is a Breastfeeding Welcome centre. Please ask one of our team for more information.

Dogs are permitted in the downstairs circulation areas of the centre, except in the cafe.

Pool

Our main pool is 25m, 10 lane deck level with changeable depth and boom to split the pool in half, allowing us to run a huge variety of swim sessions for all. The pools is fully accessible with a hoist and platform. It also has a 200 seat spectator area with accessible platform.

There is also a 10m deck level learner pool with sensory elements, a new splash zone and a flume. 

You will also be able to get changed in extended changing facilities which include an accessible change and a Changing Places unit, as well as five baby changing units. View our swimming timetable.

Gym

Our 130 station gym offers a large free weights area, Olympic lifting platforms and plate loading machines. It also features a large functional training area and free weights including Arena, Sled track, Technogym Skill Athletic machines, and a designated stretch area. 

Fully air conditioned with six flat screen TVs and incredible views over the river, this light and airy space is equipped with state of the art equipment that is accessible to all.

Our gym team are on hand to offer nutritional and exercise advise, as well as body composition testing (or a health ‘MOT’ check) and individual fitness programme tailored to all members. Find out about our gym. 

Exercise and spin studios

To complement our amazing gym facilities, we have two exercise studios, with an extensive class programme including a virtual experience. 

We offer over 158 group exercise classes per week for all abilities in our exercise and spin studios or view the group exercise class timetable.

There are also dry changing facilities on the first floor for the gym and studios. We also have accessible changing and a first floor Changing Places unit.

Studio One

Our largest studio features halo lighting and accompanying colour lighting, full Les Mills studio strength equipment and induction loop with capacity for 40 people. Offering the latest instructor lead and virtual classes including Virtual Les Mills Body Pump, Body Combat, CX Worx, Sh’Bam,  Body Balance, Virtual Yoga and Pilates. 

Studio Two 

Our second studio features a state of the art audio system throughout, halo lighting and induction loop. Offering holistic and dance-based classes with capacity for 25 people, this is the perfect space to relax, re balance and unwind.

Spin studio 

Our 71m spin studio has 36 bikes, and features Technogym group cycle bikes, pixel wall and high level feature lightings, full integrated audio system and induction loop.

Offering the latest instructor-lead and virtual classes including Les Mills The Trip Live, Virtual RPM and Sprint, its the best group cycle facility available in Chelmsford. 

Ice rink

Our ice rink includes a new ice pad, skate hire and changing room facilities with extensive spectator seating and a baby changing unit. 

With quick and easy access up to the rink reception directly from the main foyer, and an exclusive membership available for our Patch skaters, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skater we cater for everyone. You can view our ice rink timetable. 

Dogs are permitted in the ice rink mezzanine area outside of skate hire, and on the perimeter walkways around the ice rink.

Sports hall

Our sports hall is capable of mixed simultaneous use and consists of 6 multi-purpose courts.

It hosts a wide range of activities including badminton, basketball and table tennis.

The sports hall facilities also enable other sports to be played including 5-a-side football, trampolining, indoor bowls and cricket. These are available for hire on a casual and block booking basis.

The sports hall team are now working alongside ‘Sport For Confidence’, please see Sport for Confidence for details. You can contact us online to book special events.

Soft play

Get the kids involved in our soft play area, with a bespoke climbing frame, a seating area for the adults to relax and enjoy a coffee, and dedicated toilet and baby changing facilities.  Discover more about our soft play area.

Creche

Our creche is next to our Riverside entrance making it easy to drop your child with us whenever you need to work out. It has its own toilets and kitchen and baby changing facilities, making it completely self-contained. 

Our crèche offers child care for children aged between six weeks and five years. With qualified staff and Ofsted-registration, you can enjoy your exercise at Riverside, knowing that your child is being well looked after. Discover more about our creche area.

Eating and relaxing

Ground floor café

Our ground floor café, which offers Paddy and Scott's coffee, has indoor and outdoor terrace seating overlooking the river, toilets, an accessible toilet and baby changing facilities. The café is open to customers and the public alike, serving a range of treats. Please note that dogs are not permitted in the internal café area.

Mezzanine café

We also have a mezzanine café on the first floor next to the ice rink. It has a comfortable seating area and serves a range of snacks and treats. 

Treatment rooms

Our ground floor treatment rooms are home to Chelmsford Physio, a team of highly specialised Physiotherapists, Soft Tissue therapists and associate Doctors and Consultants.  No matter who you are, what your age, they can help you overcome your pain, improve your condition and get you back to your best in the fastest possible way. You can contact them directly on 01245 895410, via email or visit www.chelmsfordphysio.co.uk 

Accessibility

Riverside car park has seven extra-wide accessible parking spaces outside the Victoria road entrance.

Inside the centre, two lifts offer access to the first floor facilities. Both the ground and first floors are level throughout, allowing easy access to the pools complex, gym, exercise studios and the ice rink as well as soft play, the creche, meeting rooms and treatment rooms.

Two Changing Places units are fully equipped with a height adjustable changing bench and hoist. Each facility area also has accessible changing rooms, ensuring easy access to the facilities on offer.  

The deck level and sloped entrance swimming pools and splash zone are fully accessible, with level floors throughout as well as a hoist and platform.

For detailed accessibility information, please see our accessible activities information.