London’s historic Sobell Leisure Centre in Islington – the only leisure centre to be designed by celebrated Centre Point architect Richard Seifert – has received significant upgrades as part of a £1.2m facelift.

Opened by the Duke of Edinburgh in 1973, the Sobell Leisure Centre was a gift to Islington’s residents from Sir Michael Sobell, a wealthy philanthropist. The GLL-operated centre has been a key hub for sporting development in the area since its launch, but is undergoing an ongoing programme of modernisation.

Cosmur Construction oversaw the refurbishment – working to plans from architecture practice Pellings – which was funded by the London Borough of Islington, Sport England and the London Marathon Charitable Trust.

The works were designed to remodel the existing space to encourage wider participation in physical activity in the local area, increase membership among teenagers, and make the centre more accessible for disabled and disadvantaged members of the community.

The project saw the refurbishment of the junior gym to include a sprint track and an expansion of the Gallery Gym to provide a boxing facility, with Technogym and Escape Fitness the main suppliers. There were also significant improvements to the sports hall so there are more opportunities for sports such as football, basketball, netball, volleyball, and gymnastics. The changing rooms have also been upgraded.

“The Sobell Leisure Centre is much-loved in Islington and plays a vital part in giving people of all ages access to a huge range of sports and activities,” said Islington councillor Janet Burgess.

“The new boxing gym and the improved gym, sports hall and changing areas are the last part in a series of investments that will help keep the Sobell Leisure Cen