Southwark Council builds new sports and athletics centre

29 September 2021

Southwark Council has fully funded a new sports and athletics centre to open in Southwark Park, 6 November. The centre will sit alongside and compliment the council’s Olympic grade, 400 metre, six-lane running track, and its track and field facilities.

Team GB’s sprint relay teams, both male and female, came to train at the track before heading to the Tokyo Olympics and they had nothing but praise for the facility.

Southwark Council invested £2.6million into the new building which includes a gym, flexible studio space, reception area, and changing rooms.

The building is fully accessible and designed specifically to welcome wheelchair users. It blends into the park surroundings and provides views of the park and athletics track. The sports and athletics centre was designed to meet high environmental standards as part of the council’s commitment to tackling the climate emergency, with top grade insulation, a low carbon design, low energy LED sensor lights, bird boxes built into the fabric of the building and more.

Southwark Council is also committed to promoting sports and healthy, fun activities for people across the borough. This facility will support local athletics clubs, schools, and visitors of all levels from beginners to elite athletes.

Everyone Active will manage the centre for the council and is working to install a range of cardio, fixed weight, functional training machines and other equipment. It is also working to engage with local people and schools, for coached sessions and school sports days. There will be disability sessions at the track and it will be home to London City Runners and Southwark Athletics Club who will be providing a rage of session to suit all abilities.

The new gym and studio space adds to Southwark Council’s seven existing gyms and will contribute to the council’s free swim and gym offer for all residents. Memberships are available now: joinonline.everyoneactive.com/memberships

Cllr Alice Macdonald, Cabinet Member for Equalities, Neighbourhoods and Leisure, said: “We are delighted to bring this brand new sports centre to local people and clubs. We hope that it will help aspiring athletes achieve their dreams and encourage local people to try something new, become more active and have fun.”

Page last updated: 29 September 2021