The new leisure centre in Epping will have a sports hall and squash courts after residents raised issue with the initial proposals for the site.

Epping Forest District Council’s construction company Qualis has released its second draft plans for the five major developments it is working on in Epping.

Of note, the new £25 million leisure centre in Bakers Lane will include a sports hall and squash courts – facilities the Hemnall Street leisure centre it is effectively replacing already has.

The Hemnall Street centre will remain open until the new Bakers Lane site its finished, before being demolished to make way for homes.

Qualis has amended the plans in line with feedback following an initial consultation in August and will be holding a second consultation from November 2.

Proposals for the Cottis Lane parking site have also been updated, and now feature electric car charging points.

Other proposals include more than 250 homes built around green spaces on the St John’s Road site, the Conder Building and car park at the Civic Offices.

A spokesperson for Qualis said: “Sustainability is a key part of the proposals which promote active transport options, with public realm interconnecting green spaces and the creation of a network of healthy streets that prioritises people, cleans the air and encourages active lifestyles.

“In these uncertain times, Qualis Commercial is working to deliver a community focused development which is shaped by local people to benefit Epping and the district as a whole.”

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