Sobell Leisure Centre has been an Islington institution since it first opened in 1973, when philanthropist Sir Michael Sobell gifted the land and contributed to the building of the centre. Following a devastating flood in 2022, which led to the whole of the ground floor being written off, the council and partner Better took a fresh look at the space.

The newly refurbished centre is now fully up and running, with improved facilities including basketball and squash courts, a gymnastics zone and new changing rooms. The kids’ active zone, which offers interactive fun for children under ten, has seen a record number of people visiting the centre – and now that the new multi-active zone is open, it’s only set to become more popular. We spoke to four young people to find out what they think of the new and improved centre

Mark, 13

I come here for trampolining and gym sessions. The new trampolining zone is an area for people to have fun and if they enjoy it, they might like to try the bigger trampolines in
the sports hall. The multi-active area is so much better than before. It’s got loads of

games you can play, including a zip line which is pretty scary! It’s quite unique too, I haven’t been on one like that before. The whole centre is very nice now, so clean and modern. The staff are incredibly nice as well, very friendly. It’s like a community here, we all know each other.

Bianca, 17

I’ve only been coming to Sobell for two years. I started coming to gymnastics sessions, now I am employed by Sobell as a gymnastics coach and come after school and Saturday afternoons to teach. Better also paid for me to get my Level 1 coaching qualification.

I think they’ve used the space really wisely. The new gymnastics area is great – the sprung floor is soft and carpeted, so the kids can do a lot more than before. The kids’ active zone is great too, for little kids, away from the bigger kids and adults – and the teenagers can enjoy the multi-active zone away from the little kids! With all the activities and games in there, it’s a good way to stay fit and have fun at the same time. Sobell is a great place to be, everyone is really comfortable here.

Kye, 16

I first came to Sobell when I was four. I was always jumping on my mum’s bed, so she brought me to Sobell and got me jumping on the trampolines instead! Since the flood we’ve been training at a different centre, but it’s so great to be back at Sobell. I feel like I grew up here – it’s home! I train three times a week, two trampolining sessions and one gym session. I am hoping to go to the Olympics in LA, that’s my main goal.

George, 15

I live ten minutes away from Sobell. I joined at the same session as Kye, so we’ve known each other a long time. I’m excited about coming back to Sobell: what they’ve done with it looks really good. They’ve managed to fit a lot more in than there used to be here, with two sports halls, active zone, kids play zone, gymnasium and a gym. I think people will come in to do one thing but when they see all the other activities that are on offer, they’re bound to want to give them a try.

Find out more about what’s on at Sobell