Sobell Leisure Centre
hornsey road | london | n7 7ny
reception: 020 7609 2166 | memberships: 020 7686 2363
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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