Redevelopment of historic Kings Hall Leisure Centre set to begin next year

Works to transform the historic Kings Hall Leisure Centre in Hackney could begin in 2025, after the project received approval from Hackney Council’s cabinet to progress to the next stage.

Plans to revamp the Grade II-listed building have been drawn up by sports and leisure specialist, FaulknerBrowns Architects, and include the refurbishment of the existing pool, a new teaching pool, a new sauna and steam room, new changing facilities and a new fitness suite – including studios for classes.

There will also be a new, two-court sports hall, while the entrance will also be revamped and improvements made to disability access.

The investment in Kings Hall Leisure Centre will come from Council capital funding, which is used for maintaining and improving Council buildings. It’s expected that work will start in Autumn 2025, with the centre reopening again in Autumn 2028.

Caroline Woodley, Mayor of Hackney, said: “Kings Hall Leisure Centre has been at the heart of Hackney for generations and attracts local residents from all walks of life to enjoy exercise, healthy activity and leisure.

“I’m delighted that these stunning plans will transform the centre and that we are able to invest in the wellbeing of our local communities.

“We’ve worked really hard with centre users to make sure we can preserve and protect what’s important to residents, and provide vital new facilities and amenities for everyone to enjoy.

“This is a really exciting decision – but it’s also a difficult one due to the financial challenges we and all councils face. To approve these plans for Kings Hall, we’ve had to put proposals for a new teaching pool at London Fields Lido on hold. This is because residents in the east of the borough desperately need a leisure centre that’s fit for the future and this has to be our priority.”