True sport – Plaque tribute to philanthropist Sir Michael Sobell who forked out £1m for much-loved leisure centre

Published: 10 September, 2010
by PETER GRUNER

RELATIVES of Sir Michael Sobell watched on Tuesday as a plaque to the philanthropist was unveiled at the Holloway sports centre that bears his name. 

Gaie Scouller, Sir Michael’s granddaughter and a trustee of the Sobell Foundation, said: “My grandfather would have been thrilled to see the centre still in place, thriving after a generation.” 

She was joined at the ceremony by Hilda Rubin, Sir Michael’s daughter.

Businessman Sir Michael donated £1.1million – worth £12million in today’s money – towards the cost of the centre, built in 1973. The Variety Club of Great Britain and Islington Council also contributed to the £2million total cost. 

Designed by the famous architectural firm Richard Seifert Partnership, the leisure centre’s ice rink, sports hall, squash courts, gym and exercise classes attract about half a million visitors a year.

After a period of uncertainty about the centre’s future, Islington Council is investing £1.7million on improvements to the building.

Labour council leader Councillor Catherine West said at the unveiling: “Sir Michael Sobell’s gift made a huge difference to our residents’ lives and continues to do so today.

“This plaque is a way of recognising Islington’s continuing gratitude.

“Almost 40 years on, the Sobell Leisure Centre is one of Islington’s best-loved places and we’re committed to its future.”

Following May’s elections, the council’s new Labour executive overturned the previous Lib Dem administration’s plan to demolish and rebuild the centre.

The refurbishment programme includes a major revamp of the ice rink, now completed, and an upgrade of the sports hall, which is London’s largest. Sir Michael, died in 1993, aged 101.