Plans to build a new leisure centre in Finsbury set to be withdrawn

Plans to build a new leisure centre and around 200 homes in Finsbury, North London, will be withdrawn amid “significant economic uncertainty”.

Islington Council has said that instead of building a new facility, it will put forward plans to invest in and modernise the existing Finsbury Leisure Centre, as well as protect and improve the existing sports pitches – making them more accessible and inclusive to maximise their use. The redrawn plans could also include a new neighbourhood health hub.

In a statement, the council said: “Over the last few years, major projects across London have faced rocketing construction costs such as more expensive materials, new fire safety regulations and an unstable housing market. Recent increases in inflation, supply chain disruption and global trade tariffs meant the project faced significantly increased risk.”