Work begins on elite basketball facility at Hackney Campus

A major redevelopment of the sports hall at New City College’s Hackney Campus will transform the space into London’s first dedicated, elite-level basketball facility.

The £250,000 state-of-the-art refurbishment marks a bold step forward in NCC’s long-standing partnership with the London Lions, one of the UK’s leading professional basketball teams.

It will serve as the home court for the college’s renowned London Lions Basketball Academy and also the London Lions Women’s Team hope to make it their home venue from the 2025/26 season.

Upgrades to the sports hall are now being carried out and include a brand-new oak sport-board sprung floor, FIBA-regulation court dimensions and ceiling height, professional-grade scoreboards, repaint of the walls, motorised bleacher seating, replacement of the goals and backboards and striking on-court branding featuring both NCC and the London Lions.

The sports facility is being re-purposed not only as a top-tier training and competition venue, but also as a vibrant hub for basketball activity in the capital.

Shaun Clifford, Group Curriculum Director for Sport at New City College, said: “This is a game-changer – not just for our basketball academy, but for all our sport students. We’re investing in a facility that mirrors professional standards, giving our students the environment and experience they need to reach their potential both on and off the court.”

Students who enrol in the London Lions Basketball Academy at NCC will benefit from coaching delivered by expert trainers with direct links to the Lions’ Super League teams, combined with industry-focused education – where they can follow pathways leading to careers in sport.

This Basketball Workforce Development Programme is underpinned by a structured curriculum that gives students a comprehensive understanding of the basketball industry and the skills needed to succeed within it.

It offers students and players an introduction into coaching, basketball event and game day admin, media content, marketing, and sports management, with sessions led by Lions professionals and high-profile figures from across British and European basketball.

Lenz Balan, London Lions Basketball CEO, said: “We’re super excited about the refurbishment at New City College. Our partnership is fast approaching a decade, and this really signifies the next step in further strengthening our relationship and creating a first-of-its-kind dedicated basketball-only facility in the capital. We couldn’t be more excited about the developments coming at NCC and what it means for basketball in London.”

The facility will also be used for sports curriculum practicals and enrichment activities – benefitting all students across the Hackney campus.

New City College’s partnership with the London Lions is unique within further education, and this new facility stands as a testament to the shared long-term vision: developing and elevating opportunity for young people, producing the next generation of high-performance basketball players and building a workforce that can shape the future of the sport.

Do you have a passion for basketball? Join our unique London Lions Basketball Academy programme and take advantage of top coaching and professional  training facilities. Apply today!