East London Gymnastics Centre: Community status gives lifeline
East London Gymnastics Centre Designated Community Asset
Updated May 31, 2025
The East london Gymnastics Centre (ELGC) in Beckton may avoid closure after the Newham Council designated it an asset of community value (ACV). The charity-run center, which offers affordable gymnastics training, faced eviction after the freeholder sold the property to a developer.
Rokhsana Fiaz, Newham mayor, said the ACV status could enable the charity to purchase the building. However, center management indicated the situation remains unclear. The proposed developer, Linea Homes, stated it’s new tenant would bring important health and social benefits to the community.
The council reported no objections to the ACV designation from the developer by the Nov. 27 deadline.Opened in 1997 with National Lottery funding,the East London gymnastics club has supported top Olympians and even trained actor Tom Holland. The center prides itself on offering training at significantly lower prices than other London facilities.
The East London Gymnastics Centre continues to train elite gymnasts from both the British and Polish national squads. Athletes travel from as far as Australia and the United states to train at the facility when they are in London. Approximately 2,500 people participate weekly in various sports, including gymnastics, taekwondo, karate, pole fitness, dance, and yoga.
Kirk Zammit, who runs the east London School of Gymnastics, Movement and Dance, acknowledged the ACV approval but noted the information is incomplete. He told BBC London that the implications of the ACV status on halting the sale remain uncertain. Zammit affirmed the charity’s commitment to raising funds if given the opportunity to bid.
‘Seeking support’
An online petition and support from the council and James Asser, Labour MP for West Ham and Beckton, bolster the campaign to save the center. Marina Sanduleac, whose daughter trains as an elite gymnast, emphasized the need for children’s activities in the borough, telling the Local Democracy Reporting Service, “We’re really seeking support from anybody who can definitely help us and can give us a hand to save it.”
We’re really seeking support from anybody who can definitely help us and can give us a hand to save it.
What’s next
The East London Gymnastics Centre awaits further clarification on the implications of its ACV status, as the community rallies to support its future.