Writtle University College and ARU have merged. Writtle’s full range of college, degree, postgraduate and short courses will still be delivered on the Writtle campus. See our guide to finding Writtle information on this site.

Health and fitness in Chelmsford

The Old Factory Gym

Woman exercising in a gym

The Old Factory gym is located in Globe House on New Street, Chelmsford - just across the road from our Chelmsford campus. The Old Factory gym is open to everyone – students, staff and the public offering highly affordable, competitive membership prices.

We have a comprehensive group exercise programme featuring Les Mills classes such as BodyPump, BodyCombat and BodyBalance, as well as other engaging and energetic fitness classes.

Our large spacious gym features the very best fitness equipment including a multi-functional fitness rig, three squat racks, two ten metre sled tracks, and a host of cardiovascular equipment, fixed-resistance machines and free weights.

What makes The Old Factory stand out? 

  • Free parking - We are proud to offer our public members free parking.
  • Hygiene - The cleanliness of our gym is a huge priority to us.
  • Fitness classes - We are proud to offer Les Mills classes and work with amazing motivational instructors to ensure you get the best from your workout
  • App - The Old Factory app means you can book your favourite fitness classes and check out the latest news and updates regarding the gym at a touch of a button.
  • Our staff - Dedicated to ensuring you have the best experience at the gym so they are always available to give you a hand with questions or advice to maximise the effectiveness of your workout.

Check out our different types of membership to find the one which best suits you and join online today.

View membership options and join The Old Factory online now

The Old Factory
Globe House
New Street
Chelmsford CM1 1TA

Phone: 01245 683380

Email: [email protected]

  • Monday to Friday: 6am–9pm
  • Saturday and Sunday: 8:30am–4pm

The gym is open all year round except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. On bank holidays the gym will be open 8:30am–4pm.

Mildmay Sports Hall

Mildmay Sports Hall features four badminton courts and is fully equipped for a range of other indoor sports including basketball, netball, futsal and indoor cricket.

Mildmay also offers access to a brand-new flood lit MUGA (Multi Use Games Area). The outdoor facility, located on campus next to the Tindal building, features and Astroturf pitch suitable for 5-a-side football, hockey, and other small-sided games as well as a 3x3 basketball court.

Our current rates for casual bookings are as follows.

Sports Hall hire

  Student Staff Alumni Public
Badminton court  £6 £8.50 £8.50 £12
Half hall £12 £17   £17 £24
Whole hall £24 £34   £34  £48
Table tennis room £6 £8.50 £8.50 £12


MUGA hire

  Student Staff Alumni Public
Astro pitch £20 £25 £25 £30
Basketball court £6 £8.50 £8.50 £12


There are changing facilities, lockers and accessible changing facilities on site. Contact us to check availability and book indoor or outdoor court space.

Mildmay Sports Hall
Anglia Ruskin University
Bishop Hall Lane
Chelmsford CM1 1SQ

Phone: 01245 684321

Email: [email protected]

  • Monday - Friday: 17:00 - 22:00
  • Saturday - Sunday: 09:00 - 18:00

The Centre is currently open for students, staff and members of the public to hire space in the Sports Hall.

For further information and to hire space in the Sports Hall please give us a call on 01245 684321, or email [email protected]

 

For use of Mildmay Sports Hall, please familiarise yourself with our Sports Facilities Terms and Conditions (PDF).

Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre

Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre is just a ten-minute walk from our Chelmsford campus. It boasts an ice-skating rink and a range of swimming facilities including a ten-lane main pool, a separate learner pool and a flume.

To find out more about Riverside Ice and Leisure Centre please visit the Chelmsford City Sports website or email [email protected]

Chelmsford Sports and Athletic Centre

Run by Chelmsford City Council, this centre offers indoor and outdoor athletics facilities so you can train all year round. There's a sprint straight, an eight-lane all weather synthetic track, a field event practice area, and areas for long jump, triple jump, high jump and pole vault.

To find out more about Chelmsford Sport and Athletics Centre please visit the Chelmsford City Sports website.