Sobell Leisure Centre

About the centre

The Sobell Leisure Centre was inspired by Sir Michael Sobell, an Islington businessman and philanthropist, set up a charity to build and manage the leisure centre in 1970. In September 2010, a plaque was installed as a lasting tribute to honour Sir Michael Sobell's work.

When Sobell was opened in 1973 by the Duke of Edinburgh it became one of the largest sports facilities in the country and part of a regional network of 'super' leisure centres. It still has the largest sports hall in London. In earlier days it was also used as a music venue with top bands UB40, the Jam and Ian Dury & the Blockheads all making an appearance. The TV 70s hit Superstars was filmed at the Sobell and it was also used for major boxing events and fashion shows.

The building has shown great adaptability over the years as times have changed. The snooker room is now a spinning studio, the bars and restaurants have been turned into fitness facilities and the old weightlifting gym is a children's soft play area.

Celebrities can still be spotted however, especially with the ice rink attracting contenders for a certain TV ice dancing competition!

Now concentrating solely on sport and health and fitness, the Sobell is a popular regional centre that has one of the largest exercise class programmes in London. It is also home to some very successful sports clubs.

In October 2010 it was announced that Sobell has been selected to be an Olympic 2012 training venue for volleyball. International sports stars are expected to use the centre for practice and it is hoped national matches will be held in its new sports hall in the run-up to the 2012 games.

Aquaterra owes its existence to Sir Michael Sobell. The charity he set up in 1970 was called the Sobell Variety Islington Trust. This didn't exactly roll off the tongue and in 1997 it was renamed Aquaterra Leisure!

Sobell Leisure Centre is a member of the UK Fitness Network.

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