When GLL faced the challenge of repurposing a ruined ice rink at Sobell Leisure Centre, they saw an opportunity to create something extraordinary. Working together, we transformed an underutilized space into a vibrant, multi-level play area that entertains up to 300 children at a time. Packed with adventure, imagination, and interactive fun, this project is not just a standout success – it’s a testament to what’s possible with bold ideas and great partnerships.
Sobell Leisure Centre is a fantastic facility in the heart of Islington, providing a gym, studios, gymnastics hall, outdoor football pitches, sauna, steam room and squash courts.
As with all GLL developments, they’re always keen to maximise the value of all the space available to them, and the GLL team had identified a space that was not being used, having previously been an ice skating area.
A water pipe burst a couple of years back, ruining the rink and destroying a revenue stream overnight.
The challenge was straightforward: turn this area into something that could entertain a large number of children and outperform the old ice rink in terms of volume and numbers.
We got to work, designing multi-levelled soft play area, which could serve babies, toddlers and young children.
Featuring a ropeland at the centre, bash bags from our friends at Rugged Interactive, a mini tree house and a whole host of aquatic and jungle animals, the design ticked those boxes, and stuck closely to the desired themes – jungle, Aztec and ocean.
The baby area was designed along the same lines too, with a boat-themed padded space.
The area has everything – underwater UV jellyfish area, gokarts, tree and volcano climbing, interactive screens, games, slides; everything!
The end result at GLL Sobell Leisure Centure could well be the play project we’re most proud of, and a contender for best soft play in the UK.
The area can now accommodate and entertain 300 children at any one time – that’s 300 children entertained in a space that was previously providing zero value to the centre, and a significant improvement on the numbers the rink had previously been delivering.
Another great result, and great partnership with our friends at GLL.
