• Sports hall floor replaced with surface approved by Sport England
• Facilities available to community grassroots and elite athletes
• Up to 13,000 visitors use the sports hall each month
Our near £70k investment to replace and upgrade the sports hall floor at Newham Leisure Centre will ensure it can be used by the local community for many years to come.
The eight court sports hall is host to a range of activities, including badminton, football, and basketball. It has also been well-used by local clubs, schools and individuals for many years.
Up to 13,000 visitors use the sports hall each month, including three martial arts clubs, three badminton clubs, a roller skating club, a trampoline club, a gymnastics club and a SEND session.
The old flooring had become worn due to heavy use but the new synthetic surface, approved by Sport England, is suitable for multisport activities, is longer lasting and will be kinder on players’ knees. The sports hall had been temporarily closed during the upgrade but reopened on schedule on Saturday 28 September 2024.
Councillor Neil Wilson, Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care said: “I am delighted that Newham residents will continue to be able to enjoy the fantastic facilities at Newham Leisure Centre - one of three in the borough – long into the future. Our investment has quite literally secured the foundation of the sports hall.
“I would encourage all members of the community to try out sports in the upgraded hall, no matter your age, background or ability. It is available for all to have fun in their local community.
“There are significant advantages to having this type of surface and its installation highlights our efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of our residents, supporting our Well Newham approach and our 50 Steps to a Healthier Newham (2024-2027) strategy.”
Leisure facilities in Newham are operated by not-for-profit charitable social enterprise GLL under the ‘Better’ brand – in a successful partnership with Newham Council.
Andrew Williams, Better General Manager for Newham Leisure Centre said: “Better are committed to providing excellent, accessible and affordable facilities for all the community.
“The sports hall upgrade is part of this commitment and will allow us to continue getting people more active to support the health and wellbeing of the borough.”
Coach Daniela Balova from Devotion Rhythmic Gymnastics Academy, which is based at Newham and uses the hall six times per week, said: "We are all overjoyed at the upgraded floor. It is amazing for our members who will benefit from the softer texture which is less stressful on their knees.
“So far we have managed to coach four of the girls into Team GB, hopefully this will continue to grow with the improved facilities."
Newham Leisure Centre also boasts a 62 station gym, 25m x 6 lane swimming pool and teaching pool, two fitness studios and a 17 station group cycle studio. Grass and astroturf pitches can be found outside, along with a 400m running track and multisports centre.
The two other leisure centres, owned by Newham Council and run by GLL, are Atherton Leisure Centre and East Ham Leisure Centre - both are home to a range of facilities. Newham’s Community Programme also provides multiple opportunities for Newham residents to stay active, in their local settings.
For more information, visit www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/newham
