£2M REVAMPED SOBELL CENTRE WINS OLYMPIC ROLE

Published: 20 August, 2010
by RÓISÍN GADELRAB

THE Tribune can reveal that the Sobell Centre is to become an Olympic volleyball training venue. 

International sports stars are expected to use the Finsbury Park centre for practice and it is hoped national matches will be held in its new sports hall in the run-up to the 2012 games.

Two years ago the centre was earmarked for demolition – to be rebuilt as part of the former Lib Dem council’s leisure legacy. If the centre had been pulled down, it is unlikely it would have been rebuilt in time to take on an Olympic role.

Islington’s leisure chief Labour councillor Paul Convery is hoping to tempt some of the sport’s biggest stars to play public exhibition matches outside the centre.

He said: “We’re hopeful the Sobell will make a big contribution to the Olympics. It’s Islington’s slice of the 2012 action. Visiting teams will be training here and we’re hoping to have exhibition matches. 

“If the Lib Dem plans to redevelop it  had  occurred,  this  would  be  an empty site. If our ­discussions with the Olympic authorities are successful, it will justify our investment of over £250,000 on top of the £1.7million we’ve already spent.”

He added: “Volleyball’s got a glint of glamour about it. It’s played on the beaches in Rio and the south of France. 

It’s got a special attraction. It doesn’t need much open space.”

The sports hall has been shut as staff have worked overtime to put in Olympic-standard floors and lighting, with sockets for three full-size volleyball nets, as well as markings for other sports, including 16 badminton courts.

Islington Council has already upgraded the centre, patching up the roof and recently reopening the ice rink. An extra £250,000 has been spent in anticipation of a matching grant from the Olympic authority once all contracts have been signed.

The council has signed a contract with the authority but will not disclose the terms. Aquaterra, which runs the borough’s leisure centres, has yet to complete negotiations.

The centre may  have to close for three weeks during the games, with regular sports being held elsewhere.

Volleyball coach and player Andy Bignold said: “National games are normally held in Sheffield, Ketteridge or Loughborough. Now we’ll be able to have some at the Sobell. I hope a centre like this will encourage more local groups and adults who are passionate about the game.”

Volleyball England’s Gary Beckford said: “There’s not a lot of volleyball at the Sobell at the moment but we’re starting to get things moving. 

“We’re looking to move in some higher-level clubs and planning some big tournaments. 

“Not that many venues in London can host an international match but, because of the space and height, the Sobell is one of them.”

Architect James Dunnett, who campaigned against the demolition, said: “It’s a magnificent central space. I’m not surprised it’s being recognised as suitable for Olympic training. It’s wonderful for Islington.”

Aquaterra chief executive Peter Cardy said: “We’re pleased about the investment in the Sobell Centre, especially if it helps bring some of the magic of the 2010 Olympics to Islington. 

“It’s also a superb chance to get people excited about physical activity and make the best use of Islington’s outstanding facilities. You don’t have to be a star to use them – they are for everyone.”

Barry Hill, who campaigned to save the Sobell from demolition, said: “It will provide focus for young people to see elite sports in a way they would not normally be able to. The users are keen to have anything that will support the long-term viability of the centre.”