Over 50 Years of Community Sport
For more than half a century, Redbridge Sports & Leisure has been at the heart of sport, health and community life in Redbridge.
Since opening in 1972, we have welcomed generations of local residents through our doors, providing opportunities to play sport, improve wellbeing, build friendships and inspire healthier lifestyles. What began as an ambitious community project has grown into one of the region's leading multi-sport and leisure centres, but our purpose has never changed: to make sport and physical activity accessible to everyone.
Today, we continue to invest in our facilities, programmes and people, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same opportunities that have shaped our community for over 50 years.
Where It All Began
The story of Redbridge Sports & Leisure began in the late 1960s when members of North Ilford Tennis Club learned they would lose access to their existing facilities. Rather than seeing local sporting opportunities disappear, a group of determined volunteers set out to create something entirely new—a purpose-built community sports centre that would serve the whole borough.
It was an ambitious vision. Built through community fundraising, charitable support and countless hours of volunteer effort, the project demonstrated what could be achieved when local people worked together with a shared goal.
Their commitment laid the foundations for what would become Redbridge Sports Centre.
Opening the Doors
On 20 March 1972, Redbridge Sports Centre officially opened, offering indoor badminton courts, squash courts, table tennis facilities, outdoor tennis courts and social spaces that quickly became a focal point for community sport. Later that year, the centre was formally opened by Her Royal Highness Princess Alexandra, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter.
From the outset, the centre was more than just a collection of sports facilities. It was designed as a place where people of all ages and abilities could come together to be active, compete, learn new skills and build lasting friendships.
Growing With Our Community
As participation in sport continued to grow, so did the centre.
Throughout the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, Redbridge Sports & Leisure expanded significantly. New sports halls, tennis courts, fitness facilities, football pitches, activity studios and community spaces were added to meet increasing demand. Each development reflected the changing needs of local residents and reinforced the centre's reputation as one of the area's leading community sports destinations.
Unlike commercial operators, every improvement was driven by one simple aim—to provide better opportunities for the local community.
An Olympic Legacy
One of the most significant milestones in our history came in 2012 with the opening of the Jean Brown Indoor Arena.
The £7.6 million arena was built to meet growing demand for badminton and netball and was part-funded by the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG). During the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, it served as an official Games Time Training Venue, leaving a lasting sporting legacy for East London and beyond.
Today, the arena continues to host thousands of participants each year, supporting everyone from grassroots clubs and schools to regional competitions and community programmes.
A Charity With Community At Its Heart
Redbridge Sports & Leisure has always existed for the benefit of the community.
As a charitable trust, we operate differently from commercial leisure providers. Every surplus generated is reinvested back into improving facilities, developing programmes and creating more opportunities for local people to enjoy sport, fitness and wellbeing.
This commitment reflects the principles of The Trust Model—putting people before profit and ensuring that every investment delivers lasting community benefit.
Looking Ahead
In 2022, we proudly celebrated our 50th anniversary, recognising the volunteers, staff, members and partners who have shaped our journey since 1972. As we move beyond this milestone, our ambition remains as strong as ever: to continue inspiring active lifestyles, supporting healthier communities and providing first-class sporting opportunities for generations to come.
While much has changed over the past five decades, one thing has remained constant—our belief that sport has the power to bring people together and transform lives.
