Rebuilt Sobell centre reopens with inclusive facilities

Sobell Leisure Centre in Islington, London, has opened its doors to the public following a comprehensive redevelopment.

The centre was hit by flooding in August 2022, which led to the temporary closure of the site and the entire ground floor being condemned.

When setting about to refurbish the site, Islington Council, which owns the facility, used the closure as an opportunity to hold a public consultation and engage directly with people that are typically under-represented in sports – such as women and girls, low-income families, disabled people, Black, Asian, and minority ethnic communities, and older adults. The exercise was undertaken to understand how the centre could be rebuilt in a way to make it more accessible and appealing to all.

As a result, the council and GLL – the charitable enterprise that operates Sobell on the council’s behalf – re-imagined the centre and have added a number of new activities and facilities.

These include a new Active Multi-Zone area – an interactive space for older children and adults, featuring a “Zip Zone” zip line running over a new “Strike Zone” obstacle course for adults, as well as an “Inflatable Zone” and “Trampoline Zone”, boasting giant slides and activities for all ages.

Meanwhile, the refurbished sports hall now caters for new sports – including handball and netball – and the centre also provides a more inclusive programme of sports and activities, including more activities for over-50s, disabled basketball, social pickleball and gymnastics.