A weightlifting gym in East London that has been a fixture for almost a century has received a three-month reprieve from its eviction order.
The Bethnal Green Weightlifting Club was initially instructed by Tower Hamlets Council to leave its location by the end of January, but now has until April 30 to explore other options.
In December, club members worked diligently to contest the eviction, launching a petition to rally support for the club’s survival.
The council indicated that the extension of the eviction notice aims to provide the club additional time to establish alternative arrangements.
Head coach Martin Bass expressed that this extension would facilitate discussions between the club and the council, although he remains apprehensive about the club’s future.
According to him, he was informed that the site had been designated for a “Residents’ Hub,” but a Freedom of Information request from the club revealed that the council has no immediate plans for the property.
Mr. Bass stated, “We still do not grasp why the council intends to dismantle a century-old institution in favor of a Residents’ Hub for which no plans have been presented.”
Over its long history, the non-profit club has been instrumental in producing world champions who have represented Great Britain in both the Paralympic Games and Commonwealth Championships.
Originally located on Old Bethnal Green Road, the club moved to its current address on Turin Street in 1948.
Mr. Bass believes the origins of the club trace back to 1926, although he suspects it may have been established even earlier.
In December, members expressed to the Local Democracy Reporting Service their heartbreak upon learning of the eviction, as the club has served as a “lifeline” for many individuals.
A spokesperson for Tower Hamlets Council commented: “We have met with representatives from the weightlifting club and agreed to extend the eviction notice to April 30, allowing more time for alternative options to be discussed and implemented.
“We acknowledge the club’s significance to the community and the borough and will continue our dialogue with them. Senior officials will visit the site to explore and assess its needs, and we remain optimistic about reaching a favorable resolution.”
