A brand-new multi-million-pound sports hall and new games areas are just some of the plans proposed in a new strategy set to be agreed by Merton Council’s cabinet.

Once agreed, the council will start work to build a new four court sports hall at Morden Leisure Centre – the borough’s state-of-the-art leisure centre – enabling more residents to take part in activities such as basketball, gymnastics, badminton and netball.  

These projects, and other investments across Merton, are possible due to the council’s strong financial position and entrepreneurial approach to securing external funding.

The plans are outlined in the council’s exciting new pan-borough strategy – called the Playing Pitch Strategy – to build and improve pitches and indoor sports facilities as part of its ambition to become London’s first Borough of Sport.

The strategy looks at how many facilities Merton has, how well they are used, and how easy they are to access for key outdoor sports such as cricket, football, hockey, rugby and indoor sports such as badminton, gymnastics and basketball.

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 strategy is based on audits of local facilities, compiled independently by Sport England approved consultancy Continuum Sport & Leisure. The strategy has been developed in consultation with all the major national governing bodies for sports and local sporting organisations.

They noted strengths, including 47 newly refurbished gold-standard tennis courts and good swimming facilities across the borough’s three leisure centres – but also outlined rising demand and a shortage of facilities for some major sports. Before any improvements are carried out the council will undertake thorough engagement with the community.

Several major projects that tackle issues identified in the strategy are already underway, including cricket pitch upgrades and improvements to football pitches and pavilions.

Residents will also see further improvements soon, including 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.”

We’ve already made great progress to improve sporting facilities in Merton, including:

• The refurbishment of 47 tennis courts to a gold-standard, protecting free play where it already exists.
• Upgrades to King George’s Pavillion and Cold Blows at Canons House and Grounds running track, including new kitchens and changing facilities
• Cricket pitch upgrades at Morden Park, Morden Rec, Dundonald Rec, King George’s Playing Fields, Joseph Hood Rec, and Haydons Road Rec, as well as a new artificial Grass Pitch at Mitcham Cricket Club.
• Installation of 27 Equip Boxes across Merton’s courts and pitches which allow residents to rent sports equipment for free or at a low cost.
• Using a 1.75m grant to upgrade playgrounds and paddling pools, creating safer and more enjoyable spaces for children, including upgrades to several multi use sport areas. Many sites across the borough have already been improved, and more upgrades are planned over the next two years.

The Playing Pitch and Facility Strategy covers 2026 to 2038, it will be discussed at cabinet on Monday 19 January 2026