1970 Sobell Variety Islington Trust was set up to build and manage Michael Sobell Sports Centre Michael Sobell, a local businessman and philanthropist, gave a substantial donation to build a sports centre in Islington. This was increased with funding from the Variety Club of Great Britain and the London Borough of Islington. It cost more than £2 million to build and was equipped by donations from the Sports Council and the Inner London Education Authority. 1978 Islington Council took over the operation of the centre 1992 The in-house team won the management contract for the seven centres under the trading name of Islington Leisure Centres The in-house team won the management contract for the seven centres under the trading name of Islington Leisure Centres. Legislation made it compulsory for local councils to introduce competitive tendering. For leisure in Islington, this proved highly successful. Within a few years, each of the leisure centres was awarded the international quality standard ISO 9002, the British Standards Institute kite mark. The four swimming pools were twice recipients of the Government’s Charter Mark for providing an excellent public service. 1997 Aquaterra Leisure is born Islington Council was the first local authority to decide to transfer the management of all its leisure centres to a charity. The Trust, which had lain dormant for almost 20 years, was revived, giving substantial savings to the Council through rate relief and opening the door to partnership and sponsorship opportunities. Aquaterra Leisure was chosen as the trading name, to encompass both the water and land based activities on offer. 2000 Aquaterra Leisure, now the registered name of the charity The charity's objects are broadened to include the entire UK. 2001 Gedling Borough Council award Aquaterra Leisure a contract to provide membership services