More than £230,000 has been invested in recent upgrades at Mile End Park Leisure Centre, including the transformation of the former tennis courts into a new multi-sports court and the creation of a revamped hospitality area at Mile End Park Stadium, bringing total investment across Be Well centres to £6.3 million.

£130,000 has been used to convert the tennis courts into a versatile, new pitch with a 2G surface, new nets, hockey goals and fencing. The upgraded space can be used for tennis, hockey and netball, offering Be Well members and local sports teams improved playing experiences than the previous concrete courts. The multi-use design also increases capacity, supporting a wider range of sporting activity.

Further improvements at Mile End Stadium have been delivered through an investment of over £100,000, supported by part grant funding from the Football Foundation’s Premier League Stadium Support Fund and the council as a majority match funding partner. Enhancements include a new player walkway, perimeter fencing cover, a turnstile and a brand-new hospitality area, created from previously unused changing rooms. This new space will improve matchday experiences for clubs and spectators, while also providing a flexible venue for activities such as school holiday programmes, community sports training and coach education space and the Mayor’s Cup.

Following Sporting Bengal’s promotion in 2024 to Step 4 of the football pyramid – a club that plays its home games at Mile End Stadium – these upgrades ensure the stadium now meets the Football Foundation’s stadium grading requirements. This enables Sporting Bengal, and other local clubs, to continue competing at higher levels without facing penalties for non-compliance grading requirements.

The council continues to prioritise investment in leisure facilities across the borough as part of its commitment to improving service delivery, expanding access to sport and supporting healthier communities.

The council has recently invested in improvements to the football pitches at Mile End, and two new bespoke Aspen saunas at Whitechapel Sports Centre, enhancing leisure facilities for Be Well members.

Work is currently underway to create a women’s-only gym with changing facilities at Poplar Baths, due for completion later this year. Further improvements, including equipment upgrades across leisure centres, are also being planned.

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

“These investments demonstrate our commitment to providing high-quality, accessible leisure facilities for everyone in Tower Hamlets.

“By improving our centres, expanding the range of activities available and upgrading key sports infrastructure, we are supporting residents to lead healthier, more active lives and helping local clubs thrive.”

To book the multi-courts for tennis, please visit the Be Well website.
For hockey and netball bookings, enquiries can be made directly with Mile End at bewell-mileend@towerhamlets.gov.uk.