Tower Hamlets Council has invested a further £80,000 to install two new bespoke Aspen saunas at Whitechapel Sports Centre, continuing its commitment to improving leisure facilities and supporting healthier communities across the borough.

Following the successful refurbishment and upgrade of the historic spa at York Hall, the council has delivered brand-new saunas in both the male and female changing rooms at Whitechapel Sports Centre, enhancing the leisure experience for Be Well members to support health and wellbeing.

Before the leisure service was brought back in-house, the saunas at Whitechapel were closed due to refurbishment needs and longstanding access issues. As part of the new investment, the council has installed controlled access doors to ensure the saunas are safely managed, fully licensed and available to Be Well members.

The saunas are the first project delivered as part of an additional £1.5 million funding allocated in 2024 to tackle health inequalities and expand leisure provision.

This comes alongside Be Well’s New Year offers, designed to make health and wellbeing facilities more accessible and affordable. Current offers include:

  • Four months for the price of three on all memberships
  • A complimentary treatment with Anytime Plus Spa memberships
  • Reduced junior membership prices to encourage active lifestyles

This latest investment builds on more than £4.8 million already invested across centres, including the York Hall spa refurbishment, improvements to Mile End Park Leisure Centre football pitches and essential system upgrades across all six centres.

Further improvements planned for 2026 include:

  • New and reconfigured women-only gyms at Poplar Baths and Mile End
  • Enhanced health suites at Whitechapel and Mile End
  • Upgraded changing village at Mile End
  • Inflatable activities across swimming centres

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

“At a time when leisure services across the country are under pressure, Tower Hamlets Council is choosing to invest in our community.

“This £80,000 investment at Whitechapel Sports Centre is about more than new saunas – it’s about removing barriers to health and wellbeing and ensuring residents have access to high-quality, affordable facilities close to home.

“By combining these upgrades with our New Year offers, we’re making it easier for people to take that first step – whether that means improving physical health, supporting mental wellbeing, or simply finding time for themselves.

“Bringing leisure services back in-house has allowed us to focus on what matters most: investing in facilities, listening to residents and building a Be Well service that is inclusive, accessible and designed around the needs of our community.”

Sauna usage is included in Be Well memberships and bookings can be made through the Be Well website and app.