A century-old weightlifting club in Bethnal Green is being forced to leave its historic home to make way for a council housing project, sparking a dispute over relocation plans. Tower Hamlets Council has submitted a planning application to redevelop the Professional Development Centre site on Bethnal Green Road and Turin Street into a library and 44 new homes, including 24 for social rent. The development would require the eviction of Bethnal Green Weightlifting Club, which has operated from the site since 1948.
Club denies agreement on new site
Planning documents submitted by the council state that the club has been engaged from the outset and that a potential relocation site has been identified and agreed in principle. However, the club has strongly disputed this claim, calling it completely false. A spokesperson for the club told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that while they are prepared to relocate if necessary, they have not agreed to any specific new location.
The club was founded in 1926 and has been at its Turin Street location since 1948. The council, which owns the site, informed the club in 2024 that its lease would end in January 2025, but did not initially disclose redevelopment plans. In July 2025, the site was included in the council's Mayor's Accelerated Housing Programme, and the council has since applied for planning permission, extending the club's lease until October.
Council's claims challenged
A planning statement by the council's agent asserts that the club is supportive of potential relocation options and that a site has been agreed. The club spokesperson countered: We support the council's exploration of potential relocation options, which is specifically what we told them. Following this, they invited us to view a derelict railway arch used as a car park and dump near Bethnal Green Overground Station. Our discussions ended with the council promising to conduct a survey to determine if the arch was safe to inhabit. To our understanding, this was not carried out.
The spokesperson emphasized that relocation would depend on agreement on lease terms, rent, and who would pay for building works, noting the club is a registered charity. Without an agreement, the club has no choice but to object to the planning application.
Council response
A council spokesperson told the LDRS that the site has been proposed but not yet confirmed, and they are unable to provide more details at this stage. The spokesperson added: We value the club and recognise its importance to the local community and will continue to work with them to try to find a solution and ensure they can continue as a valued organisation in our borough.
The council announced the planning application on May 12, but its press release did not include the location or details on how to view and comment. Tower Hamlets mayor Lutfur Rahman said: This Bethnal Green scheme shows how we can deliver new homes alongside vital community facilities. People can view and comment on the application on the council's planning portal using reference number PA/26/00589/A1.
