New Highbury Pool makes a splash during formal opening

In September 2018, the much-loved pool hall, which is part of Highbury Leisure Centre, was forced to close its doors following the fire.

Since then, Islington Council and charitable social enterprise GLL - which manages leisure centres, courts and pitches across the borough under its Better brand - have worked with contractors on planning, building and restoring the pool hall back to its former glory.

The shiny new facility boasts a six lane, 25-metre main pool as well as a 10.44m by 9.47m teaching pool, with a new glazed spectator gallery being created for those wanting to watch on without getting their feet wet.

Although the pool hall welcomed its first visitors last month, the easing of Covid-19 restrictions on Monday (17 May) allowed for the new pool hall to be officially opened by Islington Mayor Cllr Janet Burgess.

Cllr Burgess said: “We know how important Highbury Pool is to the local community, and how much devastation and sadness the fire there caused.

“Local people deserve the best and, alongside GLL, we have worked tirelessly to rebuild the pool hall to the highest possible standard.

“With Covid-19 lockdown restrictions easing and life starting to return to normality, we are delighted that local people and customers will be able to enjoy using the new pool hall.”

Cllr Nurullah Turan, Islington Council’s Executive Member for Health and Social Care, said: “As part of our commitment to creating a fairer borough for everyone, Islington Council is determined to do all it can to ensure that local people are able to enjoy active, healthy lifestyles.

“Highbury is one of the busiest leisure centres in London, and we know that the pool hall has been sorely missed since the fire. Thanks to the incredible hard work of the council, GLL and contractors, users are now able to enjoy an even better pool hall than before.”

GLL CEO Mark Sesnan said: “Covid has had a lasting impact on the nation’s fitness, with leisure centres closed for much of the past year. It’s now vital that we all take responsibility for improving our health and get regular physical activity – like swimming - into our daily routines.

“Highbury’s new facilities are some of the best in the capital and my colleagues are extremely proud to welcome customers back into the popular pool hall once again.”

All the new facilities are fully accessible throughout, with disabled changing facilities and pool hoists to aid access for all users. In addition, Highbury Leisure Centre is also befitting from a refurbished gym and a new functional fitness area.

For more information on leisure centres in Islington, visit the council’s website. New hygiene measures such as additional cleaning and one-way systems are in place to keep leisure centre users safe during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Customers are asked to book a timeslot for exercise at Islington leisure centres using the Better UK app or website.