£1.5 MILLION of additional funding is to be invested in leisure facilities in Tower Hamlets, as part of the council’s commitment to support healthier communities.

This funding adds to previous investments of over £4.8 million to upgrade the spa at York Hall, Mile End Park Leisure Centre football pitches, and essential systems across all six operating centres, including boilers, pool pump systems, heating and ventilation.

The new upgrades and refurbishments across the Be Well leisure centres include:

1. Women’s only gym at Poplar Baths Leisure Centre

Transforming the former café space at Poplar Baths Leisure Centre into a brand-new women’s only gym facility, complete with a cardio and free weights area, and dedicated functional and stretch zones.

2. Mile End Leisure Centre wet change facility

Reconfiguring the existing wet change facility to include more individual/personal cubicles, enhanced disability access, and improved family facilities, ensuring a modern, user-friendly experience that meets customer needs.

3. Mile End Park Leisure Centre Health Suite

A renewal and expansion of existing sauna, steam and spa facilities for an enhanced health suite experience.

4. Whitechapel Sports Centre Health Suite

Refurbishment of the currently closed steam room and sauna facilities at Whitechapel to enhance the service offering and provide an upgraded wellness experience for customers.

5. Women’s only gym at York Hall Leisure Centre

Creating a flexible gym facility, designed to support dedicated women-only programming, improving inclusivity and delivering a tailored fitness experience.

6. Pop up crèche facilities and equipment at Poplar Baths, Mile End Park and Tiller Leisure Centres

Introducing pop-up crèche facilities and equipment to support a new service, providing added convenience for customers.

7. Water play and sports hall inflatables across all centres

Investing in innovative ‘pop-up’ inflatable play and swimming pool facilities to create an engaging programme of activities for children and families.

Cllr Kamrul Hussain, Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation said:

“While leisure centres across the country are closing, Tower Hamlets Council is bucking the trend and investing further in upgrades for our Be Well leisure service. 

“These upgrades will enhance service delivery for our residents and customers, paving the way for the development of new programmes and an improved range of offerings.

“In May 2024, the management of seven borough leisure centres was bought in-house following the end of the contract with GLL (Better).

“The new service, Be Well, has since welcomed 17,000 new members.”

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