Plans to redevelop national snooker venue approved

Councillors have approved a £25m plan to redevelop the home of snooker's English Open.

The Brentwood Centre, which is also home to a gym and two swimming pools, has hosted the annual competition since 2022.

However, the venue has been described as needing "a bit of TLC" by sports promoter Barry Hearn, whose business is based in the Essex town.

Gareth Barrett, chairman of Brentwood Borough Council's asset and strategy committee, said it was "a huge moment" for the area.

"The new Brentwood Centre is going to help local people to live active, healthy lives for many years to come and it's vital to get it right," the Labour councillor said.

The venue opened in the 1980s and attracts more than 350,000 visitors a year.

Plans for its redevelopment, approved on Tuesday, include three new all-weather sports pitches, improved parking and a redesigned main entrance.

Studios, a fitness suite and spa and wellness facilities are also expected to either be built or improved.

"This is a difficult economy in which to deliver major projects, but where it provides such huge benefits for our residents, it's important that we forge ahead," Barrett added.

The council previously said the project would be largely funded by the sale of the Childerditch industrial estate.

A full business case is due to be considered by the authority in October.

Do you have a story suggestion for Essex? Contact us below.

Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.