Morgan Sindall Begins £69m Hackney Kings Hall Refurb

Key Points

• Morgan Sindall Construction has commenced the refurbishment of the Grade II-listed Kings Hall Leisure Centre in Hackney, a Victorian-era facility originally opened as public baths in 1897.
• The project, valued at £68.7 million, was awarded to Morgan Sindall by Hackney Council through the Southern Construction Framework (SCF).
• Key works include refurbishing the existing large pool, constructing a second large pool and a smaller teaching pool.
• The team will repair the existing façade, preserve the historic entrance with its glazed bricks and balustrades.
• New facilities to be built comprise a cycle store, double-height sports hall, accessible entrance, sauna, and steam room.
• Completion and handover are scheduled for autumn 2028.
• Morgan Sindall’s London team collaborates with FaulknerBrowns Architects, Alan Baxter Civil & Structural Engineering, Atkins Realis Cost Consultants, Hadron Consulting, and Ares Landscape Architects.
• Richard Dobson, Morgan Sindall Construction London area director, described the project as a privilege and highlighted its role in revitalising a community cornerstone while preserving original features.

Kings Hall, Hackney (East London Times) January 20, 2026 – Morgan Sindall Construction has begun a comprehensive £68.7 million refurbishment of the historic Kings Hall Leisure Centre, a Grade II-listed Victorian building in Hackney that first opened as public baths in 1897. Selected by Hackney Council via the Southern Construction Framework (SCF), the project aims to modernise the facility while safeguarding its architectural heritage. Works include pool upgrades, new builds, and façade repairs, with handover expected in autumn 2028.

What is the scope of the Kings Hall Leisure Centre refurbishment?

The refurbishment encompasses both restoration of existing elements and new construction to enhance the centre’s functionality for the Hackney community. Central to the project is the refurbishment of the current large pool, alongside the addition of a second large pool and a dedicated smaller teaching pool. These aquatic improvements will cater to a broader range of users, from casual swimmers to structured learning sessions.

As detailed in the project announcement, the team will meticulously repair the existing façade and preserve the historic entrance, retaining characteristic features such as glazed bricks and balustrades. This approach ensures the building’s Victorian character remains intact amid modernisation. New facilities include a cycle store to promote sustainable transport, a double-height sports hall for diverse activities, an accessible entrance to meet inclusivity standards, and a sauna and steam room for wellness amenities.

Who awarded the contract and through which framework?

Hackney Council selected Morgan Sindall Construction for this significant undertaking through the Southern Construction Framework (SCF), a procurement route designed to streamline public sector projects. This framework facilitates efficient tendering and ensures compliance with rigorous standards for quality and value. Morgan Sindall’s appointment underscores its expertise in handling heritage-sensitive developments in urban settings like Hackney.

The SCF’s involvement highlights a collaborative procurement model that benefits local authorities by pooling resources and expertise. No additional statements from council officials were provided in the initial coverage, but the selection process reflects confidence in Morgan Sindall’s track record.

Which architectural and engineering firms are involved?

Morgan Sindall’s London team is partnering with a consortium of specialists to deliver the project. FaulknerBrowns Architects leads the design, bringing experience in leisure and public buildings. Alan Baxter Civil & Structural Engineering handles structural integrity, crucial for a Grade II-listed site. Atkins Realis serves as cost consultants, ensuring the £68.7 million budget is managed effectively.

Hadron Consulting contributes technical expertise, while Ares Landscape Architects focuses on external spaces. This multidisciplinary collaboration ensures a holistic approach, balancing preservation with contemporary needs.

What did Richard Dobson say about the project?

Richard Dobson, Morgan Sindall Construction London area director, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative. As reported in the project announcement, Richard Dobson of Morgan Sindall Construction stated:

“It’s a real privilege to work with Hackney Council to restore Kings Hall Leisure Centre. This historic building is a cornerstone of the borough, so we’re immensely proud to be part of its revitalisation, bringing life back to the centre with fresh facilities all while preserving the original features that the community has grown to love.”

He further elaborated:

“Not only is this project an opportunity to deliver a much-needed upgrade on Kings Hall Leisure Centre, but to give the people of Hackney the space they deserve to stay active and enjoy the centre’s facilities.”

Dobson’s comments emphasise the dual focus on heritage and community benefit.

Why is the Kings Hall Leisure Centre historically significant?

Opened in 1897 as public baths, Kings Hall Leisure Centre embodies Hackney’s Victorian philanthropic legacy, providing essential amenities to working-class residents. Its Grade II-listed status, granted for architectural merit, mandates careful preservation during refurbishment. The glazed bricks, balustrades, and ornate entrance are emblematic of late 19th-century public architecture.

This project revives a longstanding community asset, adapting it for 21st-century demands without erasing its past. The centre’s evolution from baths to leisure hub mirrors broader shifts in urban recreation.

When will the project be completed?

The restoration and new build works are on track for handover in autumn 2028, allowing approximately two and a half years from the January 2026 start. This timeline accommodates complex heritage works, pool construction, and integration of new facilities. Phased delivery minimises disruption to existing services where possible.

No delays have been reported at this early stage, with Morgan Sindall committing to the schedule amid Hackney’s ongoing urban renewal efforts.

How will the project benefit the Hackney community?

The upgraded Kings Hall will offer enhanced spaces for physical activity, addressing local health and wellbeing priorities. The additional pools support swimming lessons and training, vital in a diverse borough with high deprivation indices. The sports hall and wellness rooms expand offerings beyond aquatics.

Improved accessibility and cycling infrastructure align with Hackney Council’s sustainability goals. Richard Dobson underscored this community focus, noting the centre’s role in fostering activity. The project injects economic activity through jobs and supply chains.

What preservation efforts are underway?

Preserving the historic entrance involves retaining glazed bricks and balustrades, hallmarks of the 1897 design. Façade repairs will use sympathetic materials to maintain authenticity. These measures comply with heritage regulations, ensuring the building’s listing is upheld.

FaulknerBrowns Architects and Alan Baxter are integral to these efforts, blending old and new seamlessly. The approach exemplifies best practice in adaptive reuse.

Who is Morgan Sindall Construction?

Morgan Sindall Construction is a leading UK contractor specialising in public sector projects, including education, health, and leisure. Its London division has delivered numerous urban regenerations. Selection via SCF affirms its credentials for complex, value-driven works.

The firm’s involvement signals commitment to Hackney’s infrastructure renewal.

How does this fit into Hackney’s broader development plans?

Hackney Council pursues ambitious leisure and housing strategies, with Kings Hall as a flagship. This refurbishment complements investments in parks, housing, and transport. It addresses post-pandemic demand for community spaces.

The £68.7 million investment demonstrates fiscal priority on assets yielding long-term social returns.