Hackney's newest gym is now open

Christopher Addison House on Wilton Way had been largely unused for six years. The repurposed Hackney Central office is now open as a new temporary Better Gym Hackney while Kings Hall Leisure Centre is being refurbished.

Spread across three levels, the fully-equipped gym features free weights, cardio and resistance equipment, as well as space for group exercise classes. There will also be sessions for juniors and over 50s and activities through the Healthier Together Hackney weight management referral programme. Prices are in line with other Council leisure centres, with concessions of up to 50%.

The building is one of the first Council-owned sites to be brought back into use as part of the Mayor of Hackney's Who Owns Hackney? investigation, which is looking at how land and buildings across the borough are used and how empty spaces could benefit local communities.

“We want Hackney's buildings and spaces to work for local people. This new gym shows how we can take an underused building and turn it into something accessible, affordable and useful for the community.

“As part of my Who Owns Hackney investigation, we’re exploring more ways for Council-owned spaces to be repurposed or used in new ways that benefit residents."

Zoë Garbett, Mayor of Hackney