with your support we can fight the closure of the central ymca club
The Central YMCA Club is the world’s first YMCA, central London’s largest gym, health and wellbeing centre, and a vital resource for thousands of members and users across diverse communities.
On 2nd December 2024, the Central YMCA announced that it had sold its Great Russell Street site and plans to close the Central YMCA Club on 7th February 2025.
We are group of members who have come together to save the club. We are calling for members, users and allies to join us. We urgently need your support.
Our campaign has attracted exceptionally strong support. In less than a week, more than 4,600 people have signed a petition to save the club, and over 250 people have joined our campaign groups. We have made excellent progress engaging with stakeholders, such as Camden Council, and we have set up a campaign team.
“It’s fantastic to come back to Central YMCA again and see the incredible work they are doing in the community, particularly with schools and young people, which has a huge impact not only on physical health and mental health but also on the education and skills that young people need. An inspiring visit.” – Keir Starmer, visting the Central YMCA Club in November 2021
SIGN OUR PETITION
SIGN OUR PETITION TO THE MAYOR OF LONDON AND CAMDEN COUNCIL
Note that donations made on the change.org website go to change.org, not our campaign organisation.
Camden Council committee unanimously agrees to recommend our campaign to its cabinet
(9th December) YMCA members David Bieda and Josh von Uexkull gave a passionate deputation (speech) to Camden Council’s Culture and Environment Scrutiny Committee, supported by an extraordinary turnout of more than 120 members filling the public gallery and spilling over into the Council chamber itself. The Committee unanimously agreed to make recommendations to Camden’s Cabinet, for discussion at a forthcoming meeting.
Watch event video - part 4
Campaign committee launched
(9th December) YMCA members have set up an organising committee to lead our campaign, bringing together significant professional expertise. We have already made good progress and will update members about our activities in due course.
GET INVOLVED
Our campaign needs volunteers to help in areas such as law, accounting, content production, and general coordination. Your help, however big, could make all the difference. If you would like to contribute, then please email us stating how you would like to help, and your relevant experience/skills.
in the news
The club closure is making the headlines
Fitzrovia News - Campaign launched to save the Central YMCA Club
Camden New Journal - Shock as world’s first YMCA closes down
Metro - World’s first YMCA shut down and ‘sold to hotel chain’ in London after 180 years
BBC - World's first YMCA in central London to close
Fitzrovia News - Central YMCA sold and will close to members in February 2025
BBC Radio London - Shay Kaur Grewal show, time stamp 3:15:34