Residents can now enjoy a bigger, more modern and inclusive fitness experience at Mile End Park Leisure Centre following the completion of a £145,000 gym refurbishment.

The investment includes £120,000 of new Pulse Fitness equipment and £25,000 of new flooring, alongside a refreshed gym layout, upgraded lighting, new mirrors and redecoration throughout.

Replacing equipment that was more than 12 years old, the refurbishment introduces a wider range of cardiovascular, strength and functional training equipment, designed to meet the needs of local residents and support current fitness trends.

The council’s new partnership with Pulse Fitness has enabled the introduction of more training stations within the existing footprint, helping improve accessibility, reduce overcrowding and create a more inclusive training environment.

The upgraded gym also includes accessible equipment for disabled users, wheelchair-friendly layouts and DDA-compliant stations. The redesigned free weights and strength zones have been carefully planned to create a more welcoming space for all users, including women and those new to strength training.

The expanded functional training area offers additional space for small group sessions, rehabilitation programmes and those returning to exercise who may benefit from extra support.

Oliur Rahman, Be Well member:

“I’ve been using the gym for the past 20 years, training six days a week, so fitness has been a big part of my life.

“Regular exercise keeps me physically fit, mentally strong and emotionally balanced, while the gym provides the equipment, motivation and environment I need to achieve my health and fitness goals.

“I’m really impressed with the refurbished gym; it’s welcoming, well-equipped and a great place for the local community to improve their health and wellbeing. I would definitely recommend it to others.”

Lutfur Rahman, Executive Mayor of Tower Hamlets, said:    

“Bringing leisure services back in-house has given us greater control over how we invest in facilities and programmes that improve residents’ health and wellbeing.

“We want everyone in Tower Hamlets to have access to high-quality, affordable spaces where they can be active, whether they’re training regularly, returning to exercise, or taking their first steps towards a healthier lifestyle.

“The refurbishment of the gym at Mile End is part of a wider programme of investment across our leisure services. From introducing free swimming for most residents to upgrading facilities at centres across the borough, including refurbished football pitches at Mile End and new saunas at Whitechapel, we’re delivering improved services and creating more opportunities for residents to lead active, healthy lives.”

Councillor Minara Khatun, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism, said:

“This investment has transformed the gym at Mile End into a modern, welcoming and accessible space where residents can achieve their fitness goals and feel supported throughout their wellbeing journey.

“We know that high-quality facilities can make a real difference in helping people stay active, build confidence and improve their physical and mental health.

“To celebrate the reopening, members can bring their friends for free on Saturday 31 October and Sunday 1 November, giving more people the opportunity to experience the new gym and see the improvements for themselves.”

To find out more about Be Well membership options, visit the Be Well website.

To take advantage of the ‘bring friends for free’ offer, members must share their membership number with their guests. Guests can then use the booking link to register and select a visit date. Sign up here.