Thousands of people have signed a petition in a bid to save an “irreplaceable” gymnastics centre where Spider-Man actor Tom Holland trained.
More than 2,000 people a week attend East London Gymnastics Centre (ELGC) in Beckton for gymnastics, karate and taekwondo. Some users have gone on to represent Great Britain at the Olympics.
It was built with lottery funding in 1997 to provide affordable coaching in a deprived part of London. Spider-Man star Holland attended open adults gymnastics classes at the venue.
But the charity that leases the building has been told it must be out by Christmas after it was sold to a housing developer in a deal said to be worth more than £2m.
Campaigners say young athletes risked being robbed of their sporting futures if the East London Gymnastics School of Gymnastics, Movement and Dance is forced out.
A petition calling on London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Newham Council to help save the club and block any redevelopment plans has already received close to 7,500 signatures.
“We cannot afford to lose another irreplaceable venue. The East London Gymnastics Club is more than just a gym; it’s a cornerstone of our community, providing opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to thrive.
“This club is a beacon of hope and inspiration, where dreams are nurtured and friendships are forged,” the petition reads.
The club’s plight has already been raised in Parliament.
West Ham & Beckton MP, James Asser warned that the centre “is a grassroots facility, well used by local people, community sport groups, but also contains national facilities used by Team GB and some of our Olympians.
“The facility has now been sold by its owner to a housing developer and faces imminent closure despite a vigorous local campaign and the impact that’s going to have on our national training facilities”.
The club’s manager Kirk Zammit said the charity raised £1.8m to buy the freehold when it learned of the pending sale but was told it was too late.
As well as Holland, other high-profile users at the centre have included the likes of former Team GB bronze medal-winning gymnast Nile Wilson.
It also has ties to Olympic diver Tom Daley and Commonwealth gymnastics champion Georgia-Mae Fenton.
Developer Galliard Homes has said it is working alongside Newham council to “preserve the club’s vital role in the community.”
A spokesperson said: “The current circumstances result from a decision by the owner and ELGC’s management to sign a tenancy agreement outside of the 1954 Act that allowed for a vacant possession notice to be served by the owner on the management.
“ELGC management has been aware of the current situation for some time and haven’t made any alternative plans.
“We are committed to supporting ELGC in this transition and are actively working to identify alternative venues to help sustain the club’s operations. Alongside Newham Council, Sport England, and British Gymnastics, we are striving to find a solution that preserves the club’s vital role in the community.
“We have offered an alternate space rent-free, and are looking at other potential options, we await a response from ELGC to discuss these plans.
“We remain open to discussions and hope that, with the support of all stakeholders, a positive outcome can be achieved.”
Newham’s mayor, Rokhsana Fiaz, said the council recognised that the centre was a vital asset for the community and that no planning application had yet been received.
