An East London leisure centre is once again extending its opening hours during the holy month of Ramadan to accommodate Muslim residents who wish to exercise after breaking their fast in the evenings. Abbey Leisure Centre, managed by Everyone Active in partnership with Barking and Dagenham Council, will remain open until midnight from February 17 to March 18, coinciding with the expected dates of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr.
Supporting Physical Wellbeing During Spiritual Observance
This initiative provides members with access to the main gym, a women-only gym, and spa facilities during the extended evening hours. The move aims to offer flexibility for those balancing physical fitness with their spiritual commitments during this significant period.
Building on Previous Success
Hasan Romel, Area Contract Manager at Everyone Active, expressed enthusiasm about continuing this tradition, citing positive feedback from previous years. "We're really pleased to be extending our opening hours again during Ramadan, following the fantastic feedback we've received in previous years," he said. "It's important to us that all members feel supported and welcome, particularly during such a significant time of the year."
Romel emphasized the organisation's commitment to creating inclusive spaces that reflect community needs. "By staying open later, we're giving people the flexibility to look after their physical wellbeing in a way that works alongside their spiritual commitments. Creating inclusive, welcoming spaces that reflect the needs of our local communities is central to what we do, and we're proud to continue offering this support throughout Ramadan."
A Borough Championing Diversity and Inclusion
Located in one of London's most diverse boroughs, Abbey Leisure Centre has made significant investments in accessibility and inclusion. The women-only gym section, which opened in 2022, has contributed to a notable increase in female memberships. This dedicated space offers the same high-quality equipment as the main gym, ensuring equal opportunities for all users.
Recent Facility Improvements
The centre has undergone substantial upgrades in recent years, including a £500,000 refurbishment of the main gym. These improvements introduced:
- New cardiovascular equipment including treadmills and cross-trainers
- Enhanced strength training equipment
- Upgraded weight-training facilities
Council Support for Community Initiatives
Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement, praised the initiative as reflecting the borough's diverse character. "Barking and Dagenham is a wonderfully diverse borough, and this is a small but meaningful way we can support the local community, promote inclusion and ensure leisure services are accessible to everyone," she stated.
The extended hours during Ramadan represent part of a broader commitment to making leisure facilities responsive to the needs of all community members throughout the year.
