Introduction
Welcome to our public consultation page for the exciting proposals to redevelop Brentwood Centre.
DPP Planning, on behalf of GT3 Architects Ltd, are preparing to submit a Full Planning Application to Brentwood Borough Council, for the proposed redevelopment of the Brentwood Centre, including partial demolition and a new extension of the Brentwood Centre, and comprehensive redevelopment of outdoor sports facilities (including three new full-size 3G pitches, parking, landscaping, and a new clubhouse) on land at the Brentwood Centre, Doddinghurst Road, Pilgrims Hatch, Brentwood, CM15 9NN (‘the Site’).
We will shortly be submitting a full planning application to Brentwood Borough Council, and we are providing you with an opportunity to view and comment on the proposals ahead of the planning application submission.
We will also be hosting an in-person event at Brentwood Centre on 26th January 2026 from 1pm to 6pm to answer any queries and discuss the proposals.
The site
The Site is the Brentwood Centre, on land in Pilgrims Hatch, Brentwood. The whole site extends to approximately 9 ha and is currently occupied by a Leisure and Events Centre (the Brentwood Centre), comprising a series of interconnected buildings which have been extended in an ad hoc manner over several years. Uses include sports halls, swimming pools and interior ancillary spaces, a gym, and rentable large events hall, as well as a surfaced car park, outdoor playing fields and pitches, and associated wider open green spaces. The main events hall serves as a key local community facility and wider regional attractor, hosting a range of local and regionally important activities, events and gatherings.
The leisure centre buildings were predominantly constructed in the late 20th century, although they have been extended many times over several years. This pattern of irregular and demand-led extensions means that the buildings have a sprawling character, and incoherent internal arrangements make it difficult to wayfind within the building itself. The buildings are ageing and in need of refurbishment or replacement with more energy efficient, modern buildings, better equipped to serve local needs.
The leisure centre site is also co-located with Brentwood Town FC football ground, training pitches and associated buildings, in the south-west of the Site. Mature trees (none of which are subject to preservation orders), are present within and around the Site, and the Site boundaries are defined by a mature tree belt.
The Proposed Development
Overview
The Proposed Development focuses on the redevelopment of the existing leisure centre and the delivery of high- quality outdoor sports facilities. It involves the partial demolition of the existing leisure centre and its replacement with a new extension, alongside the removal of 2no. existing 7-a-side 3G pitches, to be replaced with 3no. new full-size 3G pitches to the north of the Site.
Redevelopment of the Leisure Centre Building
The north-west element of the existing building will be demolished and replaced. This will serve to consolidate the current sprawling set of interlinked structures and create a more centrally focussed building with a new hub and improved wayfinding. The proposed new build area (2,153 sqm) is approximately 359 sqm larger than the area being demolished, representing a 20% increase in footprint.
Internally, the extension will accommodate a new spa area, while existing toilet facilities on all floors will be remodelled. Glazing between the viewing area and the pool hall will be replaced, and the amenities area – including the rentable events hall – will be fully refurbished. The first floor will feature a new fitness suite within the extension, complemented by improved gym and new facilities. As part of the wider redevelopment, a new clubhouse will be incorporated within the overall building footprint, providing modern changing rooms, a club room with kitchenette and storage, toilets and an office, supporting both the leisure centre and the adjacent outdoor sports pitches.
External Sports Facilities and Landscaping
Externally, the scheme includes the installation of 3no. new full-sized 3G pitches to the north, replacing the existing 7-a-side pitches which are outdated and no longer fit for purpose.The area currently occupied by the 7-a-side pitches will be redeveloped to provide additional car parking and a newly landscaped area, with a mix of hard and soft landscaping. This new landscaped area will serve to both facilitate improved pedestrian access to the pitches and improve the overall outlook, particularly from the gym and studios. The current volleyball area will be removed to facilitate the Proposed Development.
Parking
The development includes new car parking of approximately 139 spaces with potential for solar canopies, together with a reconfiguration of the existing car park to provide approximately 22 additional spaces.
The proposals also include new landscaping and a courtyard on the site of the demolished leisure centre footprint.
Future Proposal
Future plans for a new football stand for Brentwood Town FC are being considered separately. The proposed new football stand is expected to be brought forward via a separate planning application at a later stage.
Providing your Feedback
We would welcome any feedback you may have on the Proposed Development.
A consultation event is being held at Brentwood Centre on 26th January from 1pm to 6pm, in which you will have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have regarding the Proposed Development and submit written feedback and comments.
Please use the comment box (see below) or email your comments to consultation@dppukltd.com. Your comments will then be logged and queries will be answered.
Alternatively, please feel free to post your comments to:
DPP, Studio 015 Haylofts, St Thomas Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LE
Please submit your comments by no later than 8th February 2026.
Your comments will then be logged, and queries will be answered within the Statement of Community Involvement which will be submitted as part of the planning application to Brentwood Borough Council.
We look forward to seeing you at the event and receiving any comments that you may have.
Feedback Form
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Downloads
Ground Floor Plan
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First Floor Plan
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