A battle to save the world’s first YMCA, located off Tottenham Court Road in central London, is set to take place at the High Court. This legal fray has emerged following the club's controversial sale to the real estate company Criterion Capital Limited, which plans to shut the iconic gym and community space on February 7, 2025. Leading the charge against this closure is retired postman Patrick Joy, who has become the face of the Save Central YMCA campaign.
Joy, 74, has taken matters to court by seeking an injunction to halt the sale, asserting the decision will detrimentally impact his health and welfare. He claims the YMCA's facilities have positively influenced his health, which has been compromised by diabetes and arthritis. "The loss of this facility will just put pressure back on the NHS. The poor people will have to join a long queue again, rather than using the facilities at the YMCA," he told BBC London, emphasizing the broader ramifications for the community.
Since the sale was announced, members at the YMCA have expressed their outrage and disappointment over the lack of communication or consultation. "This was all done so quickly and they've... swept us all away," Joy added, reflecting the sentiments of many fellow members who rely on the gym not just for exercise but for rehabilitation and community support. The YMCA has historically provided sporting, artistic, and community activities to thousands of Londoners each month since its establishment back in 1911.
Despite Joy's personal application before the High Court, the YMCA and its new owners have remained tight-lipped, with representatives stating, "Central YMCA are proactively engaged with the court’s process and as such are unable to comment at this time." On the flip side, Criterion Capital, owned by billionaire businessman, has also declined to discuss the legal challenge. David Bieda, from the Save Central YMCA campaign group, has publicly supported Joy's efforts, stating, “While he has taken on this decision independently, we salute his courage.”
Joy’s injunction application was heard on January 31, 2025, but was denied by Mr. Justice Trower due to insufficient evidence to support the claim. This ruling sparked dismay among the club's supporters. “Our campaign will continue with the same dedication, energy, and attention to detail,” Bieda vowed after the ruling. Joy’s heartfelt claim to the court highlighted the necessity of the YMCA as more than just a recreational space; it serves as lifeline for many within the community.
For many, the YMCA is integral to their health and wellness. Joy noted, “I myself had to get two new knees and was sent there by my local hospital,” illustrating the necessity of affordable facilities for rehabilitation. The gym is accessible to many who cannot afford the exorbitant fees levied by private gyms, which can reach upwards of £70 for membership. His concerns are echoed by others who worry about the future of their access to health and fitness programs without this local facility.
Criticism of Criterion Capital is not new, as the company has faced backlash for developments affecting local establishments. There are growing fears this closure is just another step away from community-focused spaces, replaced by developments favoring tourism and profit. Joy laments, "Do they realize the hurt they are causing? They're just throwing people's lives away.” This commentary serves to underline the emotional toll and community spirit being lost with the potential redevelopment of the site.
Members have voiced their anger and discontent as they watch what they see as the slow disappearance of their community spaces. With plans for redevelopment looming, many are left to question what plans Criterion Capital holds for the building and its various facilities.
The YMCA does not provide clarity on the future of the 116,000 square feet facility, as they have stated, "Regrettably this is not a feasible scenario." They have cited rising costs and declining utilization as motivating factors for the sale, indicating it is economically unviable to keep the operations running.
Save Central YMCA continues to rally supporters, gathering momentum for their cause with petitions circulating to garner wider community support. For many, it’s not just about saving the physical building but about preserving the community fabric it helped weave together for over a century.
Patrick Joy's efforts, alongside fellow campaigners, reflect the broader battle between community needs and corporate interests. The looming threat of losing such pivotal spaces catalyzes groups to stand against what they see as unjust actions by larger conglomerates. “We just want to keep fighting for what is right,” Joy said, signaling the determination prevalent among YMCA members and the community at large.
The outcome of this court battle remains uncertain, but the energy and passion derived from those fighting to save the YMCA illuminate the importance of community resources. The potential closure forces introspection about the values we uphold when it concerns community well-being against corporate profits.