Bookings and Payment

How to make a booking and payment for courses, activities and birthday parties at Dovedale Sports Centre.

Unfortunately the Centre is not able to take online Internet bookings or payment at present.

1. How to make booking

Dovedale Sports Centre operates on a seven day advance booking system.   

• Members of the Centre can book up to seven days in advance over the telephone or in person at the Centre.
• Non-members may only book one day in advance over the telephone or seven days in advance if they pay for the court in advance at the Centre. 

Advance telephone bookings are taken from 4.30pm weekdays and from 9.30am at weekends.

2. How to book a squash court

There are three squash courts available for hire. Squash courts can be booked for 40 minute sessions from 9.10am at weekends and 5.10pm on weekdays. Squash courts are charged at off peak rate all weekend and at peak rate after 5.10pm on weekdays.

3. How to book a badminton court

Badminton courts are available for hire for 40 minute sessions on weekdays and 1 hour sessions at weekends.  On weekdays, badminton courts are available from 5.20pm until 10.40pm, and at the weekends from 9am to 8pm.

4. How to make a children's birthday party booking

The facilities can also be booked at weekends for children's parties.  The Centre are able to recommend coaches for Trampoline, Fun and Games, Football and Gymnastics parties, who will help supervise and organise your party.  All enquiries for children's parties should be made to the Manager by filling in a Children's Party application form at Reception.

5. How to hire the facilities

The Sports Hall and Exercise Studio are available for hire for a wide variety of sports and events.

6. Cancellations

Anyone making an advance booking is reminded that they are liable to pay for the booking if it is not honoured or if it is cancelled less than 24 hours before the time of play - unless the facility can be re-let.

7. How to make a payment

Dovedale Sports Centre accepts cash, cheques (payable to Chelmsford Borough Council, and supported by a valid cheque guarantee card) and all major debit and credit cards.