Sobell Leisure Centre Reopens with State-of-the-Art Family Entertainment Hub Following Devastating Flood
London, UK — May 2025
Total Project Value: £1.7m
After suffering devastating flood in 2022, Islington’s iconic Sobell Leisure Centre, operated by GLL Better, has reopened its doors with a bold new vision: a fully reimagined, multi-activity entertainment destination designed to revitalise community engagement and inspire active play across all ages.
Led by Airparx, a global leader in active entertainment solutions, the extensive refurbishment has transformed the venue into a vibrant Active Multi-Zone—a dynamic fusion of physical activity, play, thrills and immersive technology. The new facilities include:
- A Trampoline and Inflatable Park offering high-energy fun and interactive challenges
- The UK’s largest Interactive Strike Arena, built in collaboration with interactive specialists Rugged Interactive
- An Interactive Sports Pitch blending traditional games with cutting-edge tech
- The Zip Zag Thrill Ride, a gravity-defying adventure powered by Zip Zag
- A sprawling, immersive Active Soft Play Zone for younger children, developed alongside The Play Company
What was once a standard leisure centre has now evolved into a true destination for families, schools, and community groups, right in the heart of Islington, London, UK.
“This project is more than just a refurbishment; it’s a statement about the future of community leisure,” said Daniel Billington, Head of Business Development at Airparx. “Working in close collaboration with the needs and vision of GLL, we entrusted the support and expertise of The Play Company, Rugged Interactive, and Zip Zag, to create an inclusive and immersive family entertainment centre that encourages movement, interaction, and fun for every generation.”
The project exemplifies a new era in leisure provision, blending innovation with accessibility to ensure broad appeal. Designed with community impact in mind, the revamped centre aims to boost physical activity levels, promote social interaction, and become a cornerstone of active family life in the borough and beyond.
“We’re proud to see Sobell Leisure Centre reopen with such a unique and engaging offer,” said Adam Knight, Sobell LC General Manager, GLL. “This facility sets a new benchmark for urban active entertainment in a leisure centre and underlines our commitment to delivering high-quality, inclusive leisure experiences providing a journey for the local community to get everyone more active.”
The new Active Play and Multi-Zone at Sobell is now open to the public, with sessions available for all age groups and abilities creating a flagship site not only for GLL, but also setting standards in the UK Leisure Sector demonstrating how underutilised sports centre space can be transformed both in revenue generation; but also in providing communities with safe and engaging spaces for children and families to be physically active and in creating fun memories.
Media Contact:
Daniel Billington
Airparx
📧 daniel@airparx.com
📞 +44 (0)7967 195830
🌐 www.airparx.com