London’s oldest weightlifting club ‘in limbo’ as second eviction extension granted

Bethnal Green Weightlifting Club, which has existed for almost 100 years, has been granted another three-month extension on its eviction notice. 

BGWC had been ordered to leave its premises by January by Tower Hamlets Council, however, the club was granted an extension until 30 April for further discussions and alternative arrangements to be put in place.

Following a meeting on 8 April, club members told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) they had been granted another extension, which is in place for 90 days. A Tower Hamlets Council spokesperson told the LDRS the reason for the extension is because they are doing everything they can to put alternative arrangements in place for the club, which they said they now have.

According to the club, the council has been exploring alternative sites to move the club into however, members say there are currently no plans in place. The club has accused the council of a ‘lack of direction’ which is impacting both the club and its members, who have been left in limbo.

A spokesperson for the club said: “Crucially, our historic, grassroots sports club remains under threat. It is imperative that the council acts swiftly and decisively, not only to clarify its intentions regarding the building but also to offer a concrete plan that ensures the club can continue to serve the community.

“The need for a lasting resolution is critical as we enter this phase of discussions with the council. We remain committed to working with the council to secure a viable long-term solution.”

They went on to claim various departments within the council have shown interest in the building they’re currently based in, located on Turin Street, and alleged that one group had already been allocated £250,000 for its renovation.

They said: “While this was shared with us verbally, we remain cautious, as we don’t yet have full clarity on the specifics or the reasoning behind these allocations.”

The club was handed a Section 25 eviction notice by the council in July 2024, and in December of the same year, members fought to stop the eviction and gathered signatures as part of a petition to save the venue from closure.

Head Coach Martin Bass previously told the LDRS that the initial extension would allow the club to engage in talks with the council, however, he said he remained concerned for its future. The club, which is a non-profit organisation, is responsible for producing world champions who have represented Great Britain at the Paralympic Games and the Commonwealth Championships.

Mr Bass has traced the club back to 1926, though he believes it could have formed earlier than this. The club was once based on Old Bethnal Green Road, before moving to its current home in 1948. Members of the club told the LDRS they were heartbroken when they heard about the eviction, as it has been a ‘lifeline’ for many people.

A Tower Hamlets Council spokesperson said: “We understand the club’s concerns and want to reassure them that the extension is because we are doing everything we can to put alternative arrangements in place for them. This was delayed while we waited for their requirements.

“We have those now and so can continue to work with them to find a suitable alternative space.”

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