Sports and Leisure Centres

Please note - the main pool and sauna at Ironmonger Row Baths are currently closed due to a problem on the roof above the pool. All other facilities, including the shallow pool, are open as normal.

Welcome to the Sports and Leisure Centres section of the Islington council website. On the left hand side of this page you will find information covering all aspects of Sport and Leisure within Islington.

Islington Sports and Leisure News

Sobell Leisure Centre improvements in 2010

We will be making £1.7 million of essential repairs to the Sobell Leisure Centre in early 2010. These should help us to improve its appearance and efficiency.  The work will involve:

• Installing a new ice rink from January to April
• Temporary roof repairs form April to June
• Essential repairs and improvements to the heating, lighting and ventilation systems from February to July
• Some minor internal redecoration throughout the building
• Replacement of sports hall floor in the summer holidays.

Where possible we are aiming to phase the works in order to minimise disruption – but apologise that the ice rink will have to close during January to April – during which time skaters will need to use alternative facilities.

The council is still committed to redeveloping the site in the longer term and aims to re-use items such as the new ice rink for a new, improved Leisure Centre. 

We will continue to post updates inside the building and on this page.

Ironmonger Row Baths

The planning application for the proposed £16M refurbishment of Ironmonger Row Baths, funded by Islington Council and EC1 New Deal for Communities, has now been submitted. You can find out more about how to comment by following the link below.

The proposals, which have been developed by Tim Ronalds Architects, allow for modernisation of both pools, new space for exercise studios, an enlarged gym and refurbishment of some of the historical features of this much loved Grade II listed building whilst improving accessibility throughout. There is an option for a new, flexible space for use by the local community and new pool plant and services that will make the building much more environmentally-friendly and prolong its life.

Fore more information visit www.islington.gov.uk/irb

SportIslington Website

A new website for sports enthusiasts has been launched in Islington. www.sportislington.co.uk is a one stop shop for individuals who want to find out about sport in Islington. On the website you will find information on:

• Local sports clubs
• Funding for sports clubs and individuals
• Coaching courses and training for club coaches or prospective coaches
• Resources for club development
• Local sports news

SportIslington is a voluntary group, funded and supported by Islington council.

If you would like information on becoming a member of SportIslington, please visit www.sportislington.co.uk or email sportislington@islington.gov.uk.

London 2012 Games

Islington Council is working to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games for sport, culture, volunteering, jobs, training, business, tourism and schools. For more information go to www.islington.gov.uk/olympics.

Swim for free at Islington pools

Young people can now splash out for free at Islington’s pools!

The initiative is part of Islington Council’s and the Government’s drive to help residents get more active as the 2012 Olympics approach, and was launched on 1 April.

The new scheme provides free swimming for under 16s and over 60s. The borough already offers free off-peak swimming to over-60s but this scheme will now be extended to all hours.

The move also means more jobs during the credit crunch, as extra lifeguards and swimming teachers are recruited by the council’s partner, Aquaterra Leisure.

Children who want free swims must register for a Free Swim Card and observe a code of conduct. Registration is already underway at Archway Leisure Centre, Cally Pool, Highbury Pool and Ironmonger Row Baths.