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World's first YMCA in central London to close

BBC A woman walks past Central London's YMCA which has a red sign with white letters spelling 'YMCA, world's first YMCA'BBC
Central London's YMCA is due to close on 7 February

The world's first YMCA, which is central London's largest gym, is due to close in February after being sold.

The club near Tottenham Court Road blames demographic changes, the age of the building and soaring maintenance costs which "are now not being covered by the number of members the club can sustain".

Originally opened in 1911, it was used as a shelter in World War Two before being demolished and rebuilt in the 1970s.

"I am sincerely grateful to everyone who has contributed to the club over the years," chief executive Ryan Palmer said in a statement.

Getty Images Black and white general view of demolition work in progress at the site of the former YMCA building in Tottenham Court RoadGetty Images
In 1971, the YMCA was demolished, reopening six years later after a rebuild

He added: "This sale will allow us to reinvest in more sustainable, impactful, and forward-looking ways of broadening our service provision, better serving both existing and new communities.

"Our priority now is our club members and staff, and we will continue to support them in any way we can."

The YMCA on Great Russell Street has a 25m (82ft) swimming pool with a sauna and steam room, six exercise studios and a cycling studio, offering more than 125 classes each week.

BBC Radio London used the YMCA to complete its Children in Need swim challenge

Last month, it was used for the BBC Children in Need 1,000-mile swimming challenge.

The charity says its education and employment programmes "support 16-19-year-olds to develop new skills and gain the necessary qualifications and work experience to move into further training or employment".

The central London venue's last day of trading will be 7 February but it is understood Central YMCA will still offer facilities at its sites in Moorgate and King's Cross.

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