Merton Council has announced plans for a major programme of investment in local sport, including proposals for a new facility at the heart of the borough. Central to the scheme is the creation of a Morden Leisure Centre sports hall, a four court building intended to expand opportunities for basketball, gymnastics, badminton and netball.
The proposals are set out in a new pan borough Playing Pitch Strategy which will be considered by the council cabinet. Once approved, work can begin on the project at Morden Leisure Centre, described as the borough’s state of the art leisure venue. Council leaders say the investment reflects a long term ambition to become London’s first Borough of Sport.
The strategy examines how many facilities currently exist across Merton, how well they are used and how accessible they are for outdoor sports such as cricket, football, hockey and rugby, as well as indoor activities including badminton, gymnastics and basketball. Independent audits were carried out by Sport England approved consultancy Continuum Sport and Leisure with input from national governing bodies and local clubs.
Councillors said the plans were possible because of the authority’s financial position and its ability to attract external funding. The council has already secured nearly £2.5 million through its Borough of Sport approach and has some of the lowest debt levels of any local authority.
Cllr Caroline Cooper-Marbiah, Cabinet Member for Sport and Heritage, said: “We know from Sport England data that Merton is becoming more active, and the number of sports clubs has more than doubled in recent years. Having high quality facilities on every resident’s doorstep is a key part of becoming London’s first-ever Borough of Sport. And this strategy, which will help deliver a brand-new sports hall at Morden Leisure Centre and other improvements across Merton, is vital to enabling people to get and to stay active.”
The assessment identified a number of strengths, including 47 newly refurbished gold standard tennis courts and good swimming provision at the borough’s three leisure centres. It also highlighted rising demand and shortages for some major sports, meaning further development is required before the vision can be achieved.
Several projects are already under way to address those gaps. Cricket pitch upgrades have been carried out at Morden Park, Morden Rec, Dundonald Rec, King George’s Playing Fields, Joseph Hood Rec and Haydons Road Rec, alongside a new artificial Grass Pitch at Mitcham Cricket Club. Residents will also see four new multi use games areas funded by the Football Foundation.
Cllr Eleanor Stringer, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Civic Pride and Climate Change said: “We’re committed to consistently upgrading sports facilities across Merton, and this strategy will further improve our outstanding parks. Investment to build a new sports hall at Morden Leisure Centre and four new multi-use games area is only possible because of the council’s uniquely strong financial position. Because 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 approach we can invest in new initiatives that help residents get and stay active.”
Other improvements in recent years include upgrades to King George’s Pavillion and Cold Blows at Canons House and Grounds running track with new kitchens and changing facilities. The council has installed 27 Equip Boxes across courts and pitches allowing residents to rent sports equipment at low cost, while a £1.75m grant has been used to improve playgrounds, paddling pools and several multi use sport areas.
Before any further work begins the council has committed to thorough engagement with the community to ensure projects meet local needs. The Playing Pitch and Facility Strategy covers the period from 2026 to 2038 and is scheduled for discussion at cabinet on Monday 19 January 2026. If agreed, the Morden Leisure Centre sports hall will become one of the most significant investments in community sport the borough has seen in recent years.
