The Central YMCA community center, located near Tottenham Court Road, is set to close on February 7 after being sold to Criterion Capital, a property developer. This decision has come under heavy scrutiny and criticism from community members who claim the sale was conducted without consultation and will dramatically affect thousands of users reliant on its facilities.
The Central YMCA, known as the world’s first YMCA, houses London’s largest gym and has been a staple resource for health and wellbeing for over 100 years. The abrupt announcement made by the YMCA sent shockwaves through the community, prompting immediate backlash. Andrew Shields, part of the Save the Central YMCA campaign, stated, “At the beginning of December, CYMCA sent an email to members and other stakeholders basically saying the club is closing. There had been no consultation, no discussion—not only with members and regular users who total around 10,000.”
Shields explained the grave repercussions of this closure, emphasizing how approximately ten schools will lose their access to facilities for PE and swimming lessons. For many, the YMCA is not just another sports center; it is described as “effectively a second home.” Critics accuse Criterion Capital of turning their back on the community, claiming they have not engaged meaningfully with stakeholders about the consequences of the closure.
"We are very eager to preserve the community and the vibrancy of the West End. But it's just absolute whitewashing from the developers,” Shields continued. He believes the YMCA has not fully explored options to keep the center open, particularly considering its significance to local health and well-being.
Community members are adamant about the impact this closure will have on their health. Jenny, who has been a member of the YMCA for 20 years, articulated the devastating potential fallout if the club were to shut its doors. She lamented, “There’s nowhere else in London with the same amenities for older people. The point is, there is no replacement.” The closure also raises alarms over how it could exacerbate the strain on the NHS, as many users rely on the YMCA for rehabilitation and fitness classes.
The situation escalated when retired postal worker Patrick Joy took his case to the High Court. His plan was to secure a six-month injunction against the sale to allow the community to voice its concerns. Unfortunately, the High Court ruled against him, stating there was insufficient evidence to support his claims. “The judge was unable to grant the interim injunction due to my inability to compensate the YMCA charity if it later turned out the injunction shouldn’t have been granted,” Joy explained post-ruling.
Despite the rain, around 50 supporters gathered outside the courthouse to show solidarity, demonstrating their passion for saving the YMCA. Aubrey, another long-time member, expressed his dismay over the decision, stating, “We’re all devastated as it was done in a shabby manner... It’s being bought by someone who is clearly oblivious to what’s happening.” This sentiment was echoed by others, highlighting not just the loss of facilities but also the community connections formed at the center.
Efforts to protest the closure have included unique initiatives like flash mobs, with members dancing to the Village People’s 1978 hit “Y.M.C.A.” as part of their campaign. Jenny, who participated, believes the club’s offering especially benefits older adults. “We’re going to burden the NHS if this closes,” she stressed, confronting the financial pressures many may face without accessible health facilities.
Since its opening in 1911, the YMCA has provided refuge and recreation, even acting as a shelter during World War II. Currently, it boasts impressive facilities, including swimming pools and exercise studios, with over 125 classes available each week. The impending closure of this historic venue raises serious questions about the future of community resources.
Ryan Palmer, chief executive of the YMCA, acknowledged the challenges the organization faced: “This sale will allow us to reinvest in more sustainable, impactful, and forward-looking ways of broadening our service provision, serving both existing and new communities.” While the organization focuses on future sustainability, campaigners urge the management to reconsider their choices, emphasizing the deep-rooted community functions currently fulfilled by the center.
This isn’t merely about the YMCA itself, as it reflects broader themes of community engagement versus corporate development. Jeffery Wong, from the Different Strokes charity, noted the wider repercussions the closure would have. “For people recovering from strokes, they now have nowhere to go. Swimming is really important for stroke rehab, but some patients can’t afford private treatment,” he pointed out, reiteratively placing community needs above corporate profit.
The community’s fight serves as a reminder of the power of local activism. Historical precedents, such as the Govanhill Baths campaign in Glasgow—which was saved by community occupation—suggest hope isn't lost. Activists are determined to continue their fight against developers viewed as ignoring their social responsibilities.
While February 7 approaches, community members are standing united, hoping to shift the narrative from profit-driven decisions back to the people who heartily rely on these facilities. With so much at stake and community bonds at risk, advocates of the Save the Central YMCA campaign are adamant: this isn’t just about preserving a building; it’s about protecting community wellbeing and recognizing the importance of local resources.