FaulknerBrowns Unveils £68.7m Kings Hall Hackney Refurb

Key Points

• Work has commenced on a £68.7 million refurbishment project for the historic Kings Hall Leisure Centre in Hackney, with a planned reopening targeted for early 2029.
• FaulknerBrowns Architects are leading the design efforts, focusing on preserving the Grade II listed building’s heritage features while integrating new structures matched to the existing brickwork.
• Key upgrades include refurbishment of the existing swimming pool, addition of a new large pool and a smaller teaching pool, a new cycle store, a modern gym, a double-height sports hall, a sauna, and a steam room.
• Accessibility improvements are planned for the entrance area.
• Sustainability enhancements feature more solar PV panels and a new mechanical and electrical (M&E) system that is more energy- and cost-efficient than the current HVAC setup.
• Without these interventions, the Victorian-era site faced likely closure due to its deteriorating condition, which has recently impacted customer experience.
• GLL, operating the centre under the Better brand, is collaborating with Hackney Council to support members during the closure, including exploring temporary facilities elsewhere.
• Hackney Mayor Caroline Woodley has praised the plans for delivering world-class leisure facilities to Clapton and Homerton residents for generations.
• Additional project partners include main contractor Morgan Sindall, Alan Baxter Civil and Structural Engineering, Atkins Réalis Cost Consultants, Hadron Consulting, and Ares Landscape Architects.

Kings Hall, Hackney (East London Times) January 29, 2026 – Work has begun on a transformative £68.7 million refurbishment of the Kings Hall Leisure Centre, a Grade II listed Victorian gem in Hackney, led by renowned FaulknerBrowns Architects, with completion slated for early 2029. This ambitious scheme aims to breathe new life into the ageing facility, preserving its rich heritage while introducing cutting-edge amenities to serve the local community for decades. The project addresses the building’s worsening condition, which threatened permanent closure and had begun to detract from user satisfaction.

What is the Scope of the £68.7m Kings Hall Refurbishment?

The refurbishment encompasses a comprehensive overhaul designed to modernise the Kings Hall Leisure Centre without compromising its historical integrity. FaulknerBrowns Architects have crafted plans that retain key heritage elements of the Grade II listed structure, ensuring new additions seamlessly blend with the original brickwork. This includes refurbishing the existing swimming pool and introducing a new large pool alongside a smaller teaching pool to cater to diverse swimming needs, from casual users to structured lessons.

Further enhancements feature a modern gym, a double-height sports hall for versatile activities, a sauna, and a steam room to elevate wellness offerings. A new cycle store promotes sustainable transport, while the entrance will undergo improvements for better accessibility, making the facility more inclusive for all visitors. These upgrades collectively aim to restore and elevate the centre’s functionality, transforming it into a state-of-the-art hub.

As detailed in the project announcement, the initiative responds directly to the site’s decline, where without intervention, the Victorian building would likely have shuttered permanently. Its condition has deteriorated in recent years, adversely affecting the customer experience and underscoring the urgency of the works.

How Will Heritage Features Be Preserved at Kings Hall?

Preservation lies at the heart of the FaulknerBrowns designs, respecting the architectural significance of the Grade II listed Kings Hall Leisure Centre. The architects have committed to retaining important heritage parts of the building, with new structures meticulously matched to the existing brickwork to maintain visual and structural harmony. This approach ensures the site’s historical character endures amid modernisation.

FaulknerBrowns’ expertise in blending heritage with contemporary needs is evident here, safeguarding elements that define the centre’s Victorian legacy. Such sensitivity avoids the pitfalls seen in less thoughtful refurbishments, where original features are lost, and instead positions Kings Hall as a model for sustainable heritage-led regeneration in Hackney.

What New Facilities Will Kings Hall Offer Upon Reopening?

Post-refurbishment, Kings Hall will boast an array of upgraded and new facilities tailored to modern leisure demands. The swimming provisions will expand significantly, with the refurbished original pool complemented by a new large pool and a dedicated smaller teaching pool, enhancing opportunities for aquatic programmes across all ages and abilities.

Fitness and sports enthusiasts will benefit from a revamped and extended gym, alongside studio facilities for classes, a double-height sports hall for multi-sport use, and relaxation zones featuring a sauna and steam room. The addition of a cycle store further supports eco-friendly access, aligning with broader green initiatives in Hackney.

These amenities are poised to deliver a comprehensive leisure experience, far surpassing the current offerings hampered by the building’s decline.

Why Was the Refurbishment Necessary for Kings Hall?

The Kings Hall Leisure Centre’s plight stemmed from years of wear on its Victorian fabric, reaching a critical point where continued operation without changes was untenable. Its condition worsened recently, directly impacting customer experience through outdated infrastructure and inefficiencies, prompting fears of outright closure.

GLL, the operator under the Better brand, recognised these challenges and spearheaded the push for refurbishment in partnership with Hackney Council. This intervention averts demolition or mothballing, preserving a community asset while upgrading it to meet 21st-century standards. The £68.7 million investment underscores a commitment to longevity, ensuring the site remains viable rather than succumbing to obsolescence.

How Will Sustainability Be Enhanced in the Kings Hall Project?

Sustainability forms a cornerstone of the refurbishment, with plans to install additional solar PV panels to harness renewable energy. Complementing this, a new M&E system will replace the property’s outdated HVAC setup, delivering greater energy efficiency and cost savings over time.

These measures not only reduce the centre’s carbon footprint but also lower operational expenses, benefiting both the environment and taxpayers. In an era of escalating energy costs and climate imperatives, such upgrades position Kings Hall as a forward-thinking public facility.

What Support is Planned for Users During the Kings Hall Closure?

GLL, managing the centre via its Better brand, is actively addressing the disruption caused by the closure. The organisation is exploring ways to support members, including collaboration with Hackney Council to provide temporary facilities elsewhere in the borough.

This proactive stance aims to minimise inconvenience for regulars in Clapton and Homerton, maintaining access to leisure services throughout the works. Details on interim options are under discussion, reflecting a user-centric approach amid the multi-year project.

What Did Hackney Mayor Caroline Woodley Say About the Plans?

As reported by Leisure Opportunities, Hackney Mayor Caroline Woodley enthusiastically endorsed the project, stating: “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.” She further highlighted the balance of preservation and innovation, adding:

“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.”​

Mayor Woodley’s comments emphasise the long-term community benefits, framing the refurbishment as a legacy investment for local residents.

Who Are the Key Partners Involved in the Kings Hall Refurbishment?

A multidisciplinary team supports FaulknerBrowns Architects in delivering the scheme. Main contractor Morgan Sindall oversees construction, bringing expertise in large-scale public projects. Alan Baxter Civil and Structural Engineering handles structural integrity, ensuring heritage compliance.

Atkins Réalis serves as cost consultants, managing the £68.7 million budget efficiently. Hadron Consulting contributes specialised input, while Ares Landscape Architects enhances outdoor spaces. This collaborative effort guarantees a holistic transformation.

When Is the Kings Hall Leisure Centre Expected to Reopen?

Construction is already underway, with FaulknerBrowns’ designs guiding the phased works. The timeline targets an early 2029 reopening, allowing sufficient time for sensitive heritage restoration alongside modern installations. This four-year horizon balances ambition with practicality, given the building’s listed status.

Delays are not anticipated, as partners like Morgan Sindall mobilise promptly to meet the early 2029 goal.

How Does This Project Benefit Clapton and Homerton Residents?

The refurbishment promises world-class facilities tailored to Clapton and Homerton, areas with strong community ties to Kings Hall. New pools, sports halls, and wellness spaces will foster health, fitness, and social cohesion, serving generations as Mayor Woodley envisioned.

By averting closure, it sustains a vital local landmark, boosting footfall and economic activity while promoting inclusivity through accessibility upgrades. In Hackney’s diverse landscape, such enhancements address leisure gaps exacerbated by the site’s decline.

What Challenges Did Kings Hall Face Before Refurbishment?

Prior to works commencing, Kings Hall grappled with severe deterioration typical of underinvested Victorian public buildings. The ageing HVAC system drove up costs and inefficiencies, while structural wear diminished user satisfaction, from pool maintenance issues to general wear-and-tear.

Customer experience suffered, with outdated amenities failing modern expectations, hastening the need for GLL and council intervention. This scenario mirrors broader UK challenges in maintaining heritage leisure sites amid budget pressures.