Chelmsford City Council is drafting plans to upgrade Dovedale Sports Centre in the Old Moulsham area of the city. The Lib Dem-led council is keen to hear local views about this and has just launched a consultation (running until Sunday 13 February) to help shape any future improvements.

The site, which the council shares with Chelmsford College, was opened in 1974 and has had minimal investment over the last few decades. It is used by the college during the day and managed by Chelmsford City Council for public use after 5pm on weekdays, with full access at weekends and college holidays.

Its facilities include a multi-purpose sports hall, a small fitness room, an exercise studio and 3 squash courts. Although the centre is dated, it remains popular with Chelmsford residents with around 70,000 customer visits a year. The upgrade is intended to improve Dovedale within the footprint of the existing building.

Chelmsford City Council Lib Dem Cabinet Member, Cllr Rose Moore, says this investment is overdue. "Dovedale is popular and well-used but really needs refurbishment to improve provision for existing customers and increase its appeal to attract new users. In this challenging financial period, major structural changes to the building wouldn't be appropriate, but there's lots of potential to transform this facility with our partner Chelmsford College to give this well-located leisure centre a whole new lease of life."

The council and college are keen to hear how the building might best serve the Chelmsford community. Anyone can take part in the survey, whether they use the facility or not, and it can be completed by clubs, community groups and individuals. It only takes 10 minutes to complete and will give vital information about how Chelmsford residents would like the centre to develop. Any feedback will be treated confidentially.

The investment for these facilities is in the draft budget for the City Council and needs to be approved at the end of February.