English Open snooker venue to undergo £25million redevelopment after Barry Hearn called for ‘a bit of TLC’

THE Brentwood Centre is set to undergo a massive £25million redevelopment. Matchroom Sport founder and president Barry Hearn had previously labelled the iconic snooker venue as needing “a bit of TLC”. The Brentwood Centre is set to receive a £25m refurbishment Credit: Brentwood Borough Council The new sketch design looks much more modern Credit: Brentwood GOV Brentwood has hosted the English Open every year since 2022 and also houses a gym and two swimming pools. The chairman of Brentwood Borough Council’s asset and strategy committee Gareth Barrett has hailed the new investment. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! The Labour councillor has called it a “huge moment” for the area. He said: “I am proud that we have committed to the most significant capital investment Brentwood Borough Council has ever made. “By combining major improvements to the building with new sports pitches, better parking and enhanced outdoor spaces – alongside the earlier investment in our swimming pools – we will create a destination that supports health, wellbeing and community connection across the borough. “Having grown up in Brentwood, I know the Brentwood Centre holds a special place in residents’ lives, and this project reflects our determination to deliver a modern, inclusive and high‑quality leisure and events facility that meets the needs of our growing community today and for generations to come. “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 venue was first opened in 1988 and pulls in over 350,000 visitors every year. Most read in Sport SUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUS The venue hosts the English Open every year Credit: Brentwood GOV There will be plenty of work on the ground floor Credit: Brentwood GOV Barry Hearn has called for improvements at the venue Credit: PA The redevelopment plans were approved on Tuesday and include a number of new additions. Three new all-weather sports pitches will be built and there will be improvements made to the parking. The main entrance is also set to be redesigned. There are also expectations that new studios, a fitness suite and spa and wellness facilities will be added. Images released by the council show a sketch design and interpretation of the new entrance. There is a lot of change as the potential new look seems a lot more modern compared to its current appearance. Comment now