Hackney's opposition Labour group has accused Mayor Zoë Garbett of unfairly taking credit for repurposing a disused council building into a temporary gym, claiming the plans were initiated before her election.
Background on Christopher Addison House
Christopher Addison House, named after the former Shoreditch MP, was built in 1993 and used as council offices. It underwent a significant refurbishment in 2019 to become a modern workspace for 420 staff, with plans to lease remaining floors to generate at least £700,000. However, leasing faced delays, and the building saw limited use from 2020.
Announcement of Temporary Gym
On June 22, the council announced that Christopher Addison House, which had “stood largely empty for six years,” would be transformed into a gym and fitness studio for residents affected by the closure of King's Hall Leisure Centre for refurbishment. The council claimed this was the first building brought back to life under the Who Owns Hackney investigation, a scheme launched by Mayor Garbett after her May election victory to reclaim spaces for community benefit.
Labour's Response
Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, a Hackney Labour spokesperson said: “We are aware of the Mayor’s investigation into buildings in Hackney, and welcome the Mayor’s support for our plans — discussed before the elections in May — to turn part of Christopher Addison House into a temporary gym.”
Mayor's Rebuttal
On July 2, Mayor Garbett responded: “While plans for a temporary gym were initiated previously, it is now being delivered by the new administration as a priority — a sign of our commitment to getting things done and showing how [our] investigation can repurpose spaces for public good.”
Who Owns Hackney Project
The Who Owns Hackney project, a Green manifesto promise, proposes an audit of land use in Hackney, a review of council building usage, and a full assessment of options for bringing empty spaces back into use.
Gym Details
The new centre will offer a gym with free weights, resistance and aerobic equipment, and studio space for exercise classes across three floors. Operated by Better, it is set to open in early August 2026.
