GLL has confirmed it is taking over the Jubilee Hall Gym in London's Covent Garden next month: an iconic community space that was previously operated by the Jubilee Hall Trust.

A not-for-profit social enterprise and the UK’s largest leisure trust, GLL will convert Jubilee Hall Gym to the Better brand and invest £250,000. Improvements will include new gym equipment, a studio and changing rooms refresh.

A refreshed programme of activities will be introduced to supplement the existing offer and members will be given access to other Better leisure facilities across the UK.

Jubilee Hall Trust announced last October that it would be surrendering its lease in order to secure the charity’s future. Like many operators, it came out of the pandemic with limited cash reserves only to be hit by the energy and cost of living crises, putting it at risk of closure.

CEO, Jon Giles, says this arrangement now gives the charity a brighter future, freeing it up to focus on its three other health, fitness and sports centres in Hampstead, Southwark and Westminster, as well as manage outreach community programmes, such as GP Referral and Healthy Hearts. It's currently working with the Royal Free Hospital in London to develop cancer Prehab and Rehab programmes.

Giles says: “This will safeguard the gym for many years to come, provide security for personal trainers and hirers who remained loyal to us during recent, difficult times, while enhancing members’ benefits considerably. It will also bring much needed investment which we simply could not afford to make.

Peter Bundey, CEO at GLL says: “We will rejuvenate the facilities, improve the member offer and increase membership numbers, creating a space that's welcoming to everyone, regardless of age, fitness levels or financial means. We'll work to put Jubilee Hall back on a level financial footing, while our social enterprise status means that any future financial surpluses will be reinvested back into the inner London communities we serve.”

Liz Terry, editor of HCM said: "Sometimes things just feel right and GLL stepping in to rescue Jubilee Halls is one of those outcomes.

"The community using the gym has fought tirelessly to try to rescue its club and at times it looked as though it would be lost, so this is the very best outcome and GLL is to be congratulated for navigating what must have been a complex situation to save one of London's most longest established and iconic gyms."

Peter Bundey will be among the line-up at the all keynote event, the HCM Summit on 23 October. You can book tickets now.