Appointed by the London Borough of Islington, Ingleton Wood’s multidisciplinary team are proud to have played a key role in bringing the iconic Sobell Leisure Centre in Islington back into full public use.
Following extensive flood damage caused by a burst water main, Ingleton Wood’s London-based team supported the successful reinstatement and transformation of this vital community facility, which is now fully equipped with future-focused features designed to inspire the next generation of users.
Working as part of a collaborative delivery team that included GLL (the centre’s operator), RJ Interiors (main contractor), and insurance Loss Adjustors, Ingleton Wood provided project management, building surveying, structural engineering, and quantity surveying services across all phases of the project, from damage assessment to final handover.
Restoring and reimagining, shaped by public feedback
The flood had left key areas of the centre, including the gym, squash courts, martial arts dojo, and sports hall, unusable. Our team’s first task was to conduct comprehensive condition surveys and coordinate a programme of works to safely dry out the building and assess its structural integrity.
Through phased planning and agile delivery, we helped return spaces to public use as soon as they were ready, ensuring local clubs and users could resume their activities with minimal disruption.
Beyond repair and reinstatement, the project also provided an opportunity to reimagine how the centre could better serve its community. Following extensive public consultation, a strategic decision was made to remove the ice rink and trampoline park, replacing them with immersive active play zones for children and young adults.
These vibrant, inclusive spaces feature innovative leisure equipment and directly support the Council’s mission to increase physical activity among young people across the Borough.
Rising to the challenge
Restoring the Centre was not without its challenges.
Drying out and stabilising the building after significant flood damage demanded close coordination between all parties. Careful planning was also required to manage access and safety while sections of the facility reopened in phases. Balancing public expectations with practical delivery timelines required thoughtful communication and a unified approach from everyone involved.
A transformed space with lasting impact
The completed project marks the successful return of one of Islington’s most valued community assets.
More than just a refurbishment, the scheme has transformed the Sobell Leisure Centre into a more engaging, inclusive, and future-ready environment, supporting health, wellbeing, and active lifestyles for all ages.
Ingleton Wood are proud to have helped bring this vital facility back to life, combining technical precision with a clear focus on people, place, and purpose.
Barry Emmerson, Head of Parks, Sports and Physical Activity at the London Borough of Islington, commented:
“On this complex project, Islington Council needed a consultancy to provide the range of skills required to reopen the centre and realise the changes we were seeking.
The Ingleton Wood team certainly delivered - bringing a wealth of knowledge and the skillset needed to realise these outcomes. They worked collaboratively with all partners and ensured a positive project environment while ensuring the council’s interests were protected. It has been a pleasure working with Ingleton Wood on this project, and we look forward to working with them again in the future”.
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