Residents invited to have a say on plan to rebuild Finsbury Leisure Centre and create 180 new homes
Concept drawing of the plans. Image: Islington Council
Residents are being asked whether major plans for Finsbury Leisure Centre are a winner.
Islington Council wants to rebuild the centre at its current site near Old Street, as well as creating 180 new homes, including 100 council flats, and a medical centre.
The Norman Street venue, one of eight council-owned sports centres in the borough, has four outdoor football pitches, four squash courts, a multi-sports hall, fitness studios and activity rooms.
The council has launched a two-week consultation on its plans, and will follow up with a further consultation this autumn.
According to a report for the Town Hall’s executive earlier this year, the scheme could face a £1m deficit. In 2016, the council estimated the project would cost £49m.
The consultation questionnaire asks how often people use the centre and reasons why others do not visit it.
The council’s leisure team also wants to know how people feel about the area near the centre and what improvements they would like to see.
It also asks people if they agree or disagree with its aims, saying: “There is a desperate need for new homes to tackle the current housing crisis. Our proposals include building new council homes to meet local need.”
One resident said they are concerned about losing sports pitches in favour of flats.
People living in overcrowded social housing in Bunhill will be on the priority list for the scheme’s 100 council homes, along with those who want to downsize from larger houses or do not have their needs met.
The council hopes to submit a planning application early next year and start work in the autumn if the scheme wins approval.
It expects to open the new leisure centre in 2025.
The council is holding online consultation events tomorrow from 12pm to 1.30pm, and from 6.30pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday 20 July.
People can also attend a drop-in event from 3pm to 7.30pm on Tuesday 19 July at St Luke’s Community Centre on Central Street.
The consultation ends on 31 July.
Have your say at survs.com/survey/z4h3yavoui.