Bethnal Green Weightlifting Club Faces Closure After Nearly a Century Due to Eviction Notice

A weightlifting facility in east London, Bethnal Green Weightlifting Club, is facing potential closure after nearly a century of operation, following the issuance of an eviction notice by a local council. The club, established in 1926 and operating as a non-profit organization, asserts its status as London’s oldest. On Sunday afternoon, members of the club organized a march from their gym to Brick Lane, gathering signatures for a petition that urges the council to withdraw the Section 25 notice. A representative for the London Borough of Tower Hamlets council stated: “We understand and appreciate the club’s importance to the community and are keen to work with them to offer support and ensure they can continue as a valued organisation in our borough.” Martin Bass, the head coach, commented that the eviction notice, issued in July, was unexpected and “makes no sense”. Consequently, the gym is required to vacate its premises on Bethnal Green Road, which it has occupied since 1948, by 31 January. Charlotte Macaulay, who experienced months of paralysis after a 2022 diagnosis of Guillain-Barré syndrome, participated in the demonstration. She explained that becoming a member of the gym last year had “really helped” her recovery, enabling her to now lift 150kg. She further remarked: “It definitely helped me get my muscle mass back and also mentally as well to feel like I was actually doing something to help myself.” She described the presence of numerous women training at the community gym, which also coaches international powerlifters, as “empowering”. Upon learning of the eviction, Ms Macaulay stated she “broke down,” but noted that members were “all fired up to do something and show the council that it really matters to people.” Yana Lyntovskyi, who left Ukraine following Russia’s 2022 invasion, was also present among the marchers. She expressed that she had discovered a “second home” within the club. Mrs Lyntovskyi commented: “It’s a very important place for me and I’m very proud to be part of it.” Her husband, Taras Lyntovskyi, remarked regarding the eviction notice: “It’s very easy to destroy something – we understand it because we’re from Ukraine – but trying to build something that’s the same, it’s not possible.” Ali Jawad, a British Paralympic powerlifter who trains at the club and secured a silver medal at the 2016 Paralympic Games, described the club as “not just a gym, it’s a community”. He further stated that its potential closure would be “devastating”. Mr. Bass, who has managed the club for approximately 50 years, explained that the existing agreement with the council permits the club to function as a registered charity, enabling individuals unable to pay fees to train without cost. The British Powerlifting and Masters Classic coach asserted: “It serves the community. We’ve got all fashions of society – gender, race… old Cockneys – whatever.” He continued: “Anybody who comes in here, it’s a safe space. We don’t allow no nonsense up here.” Mr. Bass also mentioned that the club’s trustees derive “just as much buzz” from individuals who “come in here and couldn’t lift nothing and then end up snatching 40[kg]” as they do from “international’s who pull 350[kg]”. The council’s intentions for the property remain unclear. “We’re gonna make some noise,” Mr. Bass declared, adding: “The only thing I hope is that someone on the council is taking notice.” The council’s spokesperson indicated that the authority plans to contact the club to arrange a meeting in the new year.