Morgan Sindall dives into historic leisure centre renovation in Hackney

Morgan Sindall Construction’s London business has begun the refurbishment of the historic Kings Hall Leisure Centre in Hackney, with plans to preserve key features of the Grade II listed building throughout construction.

Morgan Sindall was selected by Hackney Council for the project which has been procured through the Southern Construction Framework (SCF). The £68.7M development includes plans to refurbish the centre’s existing large pool, as well as construct a new large pool and smaller teaching pool. The team will also repair the existing façade and preserve the historic entrance, maintaining glazed bricks and balustrades that are important parts of the building’s heritage.

In addition to restorative aspects of the project, Morgan Sindall will also construct new build features, including a cycle store, double height sports hall, new accessible entrance, sauna, and steam room. The team is committed to maintaining the building’s original essence by matching new structures to the existing brickwork. The restoration and new build works are set to handover in autumn 2028.

In line with Morgan Sindall’s commitment to sustainability, an assortment of solar PV panels will be installed in addition to a new M&E system which is more energy and cost efficient than the property’s current HVAC system - powering Hackney’s beloved leisure centre in a greener way than ever before.

The team are set to welcome high numbers of work placements, apprenticeship students, T-Level students, and training week participants on-site to gain hands-on experience in the world of the built environment. To benefit the people of Hackney and nearby boroughs, Morgan Sindall plans to employ 30% local labour during construction.

Morgan Sindall’s London team has been working with FaulknerBrowns Architects, Alan Baxter Civil and Structural Engineering, Atkins Realis Cost Consultants, Hadron Consulting, and Ares Landscape Architects on the project, and are set to commence works in January 2026.

Richard Dobson, Area Director of Morgan Sindall in London, said:

It’s a real privilege to work with Hackney Council to restore Kings Hall Leisure Centre. This historic building is a cornerstone of the borough, so we’re immensely proud to be part of its revitalisation, bringing life back to the centre with fresh facilities all while preserving the original features that the community has grown to love.

Not only is this project an opportunity to deliver a much-needed upgrade on Kings Hall Leisure Centre, but to give the people of Hackney the space they deserve to stay active and enjoy the centre’s facilities.

This is a great chance to get to know Hackney’s local community who will be joining us on site through apprenticeships, work placement opportunities, and local labour employment.

Caroline Woodley, Mayor of Hackney, said:

These ambitious plans for Kings Hall Leisure Centre will give residents in Clapton and Homerton world class leisure facilities for generations to come - including a new teaching pool, sports hall, revamped and extended gym and studio facilities as well as a new fully accessible entrance from Clapton Square.

I’m excited that work is now underway, and that architects FaulknerBrowns and main contractor Morgan Sindall will preserve beautiful heritage features of the building as well as introduce state-of-the-art new amenities.”