East London Gymnastics Centre in Beckton is at risk of closure as site redeveloped, reports Neandra Etienne
A campaign backed by thousands of residents has been launched to save the East London Gymnastics Centre in Beckton, which is under threat of closure to make way for a new development on the site.
Established in 1997, with funding from the National Lottery, the centre was created to provide affordable recreational and elite gymnastics opportunities for children and families in Newham and surrounding boroughs. They serve around 2,500 participants each week.
Speaking after the launch of the SaveELGC campaign, one local resident Gloria told Newham Voices: “Coming to the centre has helped to improve my daughter’s confidence. So we are committed to saving the centre.”
The East London Gymnastics Club, which is based at the venue, said in a statement that the private owners of the facility are now selling it to Linea Homes developers without offering the Club and local charity the opportunity to purchase the freehold of the site to preserve it for community use in future. The current owners have made the decision to terminate the Club’s lease, meaning the Club is at risk of closing at the end of December 2024.
An online petition is calling on Newham Council and the Mayor of London to intervene to save the gym. As Newham Voices went to press, 5,163 people had signed the petition.
The Centre is a multi-sport hub that hosts organisations including BB London Studios, Aerial Gymnastics London, DJB Taekwondo Club, and Kabuto Kai Karate Club. The Japanese Gym team trained at the Centre during the lead up to the 2012 Olympics. It is a venue for Stunt Performers on the British Stunt Register (BSR) even Spiderman actor Tom Holland has trained there.
The Club is being supported by Newham Council and the former Deputy Mayor, James Asser, now MP for West Ham and Beckton. He said: “Having visited the facility I can see that it is an invaluable asset for not only those in the Beckton community, but for everyone who is passionate about elite sport across London and nationally, having trained some of our Team GB athletes.
“Losing such a resource would be a tragedy for the individuals who train at and are supported by the centre, and I will work with all those involved to ensure it remains as an invaluable part of my community.”
Cllr Blossom Young, Beckton Ward said: “I was devastated to hear about the proposed closure of East London Gymnastics Centre.
“The centre not only provides affordable recreational sports but also trains generations of Olympians, an important legacy of London 2012.
“I am hopeful that a positive solution can be found to enable the centre to continue operating. I am working closely with them, the prospective purchaser and others to try to find a way forward”.
A spokesperson for Linea Homes and their partner’s Galliard Group told Newham Voices: “Our plans for the site focus on retaining the building and ensuring its financial viability. We have secured a new tenant who will bring significant health and social benefits to the community.
“Since agreeing to purchase the site, we have kept the existing tenants informed of our plans. We remain committed to assisting the Gymnastics Centre with support where possible during this transition.”
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