Merton Council has announced plans to construct a major new four-court sports hall in Morden, in a direct response to a dramatic surge in demand for recreational spaces across the borough.
Responding to a Borough-Wide Shortage
The decision follows a comprehensive survey by the Sport England-approved consultancy, Continuum Sport & Leisure. The study revealed a critical finding: the number of sports clubs operating in Merton has more than doubled since the last assessment in 2019. However, the supply of playing pitches and indoor facilities has failed to keep pace, creating significant shortages for cricket, rugby, hockey, and football.
It has been seven years since the borough last built a new playing pitch. Currently, most indoor sports halls are located within schools, which severely limits public access and availability. The new facility at Morden Leisure Centre is the central pillar of the council's newly drafted Playing Pitch Strategy for 2026–2038, which is set for approval at a cabinet meeting on Monday, 19 January.
Details of the Proposed Morden Facility
The proposed sports hall, designed by consultants Atkins Realis, will fulfil the original vision for the Morden Leisure Centre site when it first opened in 2018. The plans outline a substantial 1,834-square-metre building featuring four sports courts, spectator seating, and modern changing facilities.
Additional amenities will include a climbing wall, a dedicated junior party room, and meeting spaces. The total project cost is estimated at £14.7 million, excluding VAT. The council has emphasised that the project remains subject to the usual planning approvals and local consultation before any construction begins.
Once operational, the hall will be run by the social enterprise Better and is expected to generate a valuable new revenue stream for the borough. Sport England's own modelling suggests the facility could meet nearly all of Merton's demand for such spaces by 2027.
Part of a Wider "Borough of Sport" Ambition
This investment is a key component of Merton Council's long-term goal to become London's first-ever Borough of Sport. The initiative aims to boost physical activity by making sport more accessible and inclusive. Councillor Caroline Cooper-Marbiah, Cabinet Member for Sport and Heritage, stated: "Having high quality facilities on every resident’s doorstep is a key part of becoming London’s first-ever Borough of Sport."
The council credits its ability to fund this project to its strong financial position. Councillor Eleanor Stringer, Deputy Leader, noted that Merton has some of the lowest debt levels of any council and has secured nearly £2.5 million in external funding through its Borough of Sport programme.
Alongside the flagship sports hall, several other projects are already underway to address the infrastructure gap:
- Cricket pitch upgrades at six recreation grounds including Morden Park and Dundonald.
- A new artificial grass pitch at Mitcham Cricket Club.
- The recent refurbishment of 47 tennis courts to a 'gold standard' with Lawn Tennis Association funding.
- Exploring the conversion of redundant facilities into padel courts to cater for the sport's rapid growth.
The new strategy represents a significant step in modernising Merton's sports infrastructure to serve its active and growing community for the next decade and beyond.
