East London Boxing Club Faces Closure Amid Rent Dispute

Tommy Borg, a trainee at an east London boxing club facing potential closure, stated, “It’s there to help boys get off the streets.” Mr. Borg, a member of the Broad Street Amateur Boxing Club (ABC) in Shadwell for over a decade, indicated that the establishment prevented individuals from “going down the wrong path.” The club, which has been in operation for 138 years, provides complimentary training to young individuals. Previously, the club operated under a protected 60-year lease with an annual cost of £110; however, it is now confronted with a proposed rent increase exceeding £60,000, according to the Local Democracy Reporter Scheme. A representative for Tower Hamlets Council expressed the council’s eagerness to collaborate with the club to achieve an “amicable solution.” Mr. Borg conveyed that he regarded the club as his home and considered the coaches and fellow boxers as his family. He further stated, “A lot of boys go down the wrong path, but when you find a club that wants to make sure you do well, you always tend to lead down the right path.” Emma Judd, a boxer from Broad Street, mentioned that becoming a member of the club enhanced her confidence. She remarked, “It’s one of those spaces where it doesn’t matter who you are, how old you are, what religion you are or anything, everyone is welcome.” Participants engage in training sessions five evenings weekly and are mandated to complete a 30-minute run each morning. Head coach Ray McCallum explained that imposing fees on members was unfeasible, given that many young individuals at the club originate from low-income households and reside in some of London’s most disadvantaged districts. Mr. McCallum stated, “I just don’t think the council has taken into account what we’ve been doing and the service that we provide. It’s always been free.” He continued, “Ideally we want to stay here. This is where we’ve been since 1957. I think it would be a travesty if the gym was to close, but we won’t let it. We’re a community asset.” The club’s lease expired in 2017, and it has since attempted to negotiate a renewed lease agreement with the council. Tower Hamlets Council put forward a proposal for a new annual rent of £64,000 for a 15-year lease. Additionally, it presented an option for a three to five-year lease with an 80% reduction, but the club declined this offer due to its lack of long-term stability. The club indicated its readiness to pay an annual rent of £20,000 for a 30-year lease, an offer which the council turned down. A spokesperson for Tower Hamlets Council commented, “Because of [the club’s] preference, we are required to go through the court process for the market rent to be determined.” The spokesperson added, “There is a range of support and funding options available for community groups and officers will liaise with the club to help them access these.” Information on listening to BBC Radio London is available on Sounds, and updates from BBC London can be followed on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas may be submitted to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk. Copyright for this content is held by the BBC, 2024, with all rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites and provides details regarding its policy on external linking.