Tower Hamlets Eyes 2am Gyms for Income Boost 

Key Points

• Tower Hamlets Council in east London is considering extending opening hours at Whitechapel Sports Centre and Mile End Park Leisure Centre until 2am daily except Sundays to generate additional income.
• The proposal targets rising demand from shift workers and younger adults, enabling late-night badminton bookings, sports hall usage, and greater fitness studio access.
• This forms part of the council’s draft budget plans for the 2026-27 financial year, starting in April 2026.
• Current hours: Whitechapel Sports Centre operates 7am to 10pm weekdays, 8am to 4pm weekends and bank holidays; Mile End Park Leisure Centre runs 6am to 10pm weekdays, 8am to 6pm weekends, 9am to 9pm bank holidays.
• Projected costs: Extra £250,000 annually; anticipated new income: £300,000 in 2026-27, rising to £100,000 net profit in 2027-28 and £120,000 in 2028-29.
• Requirements for success: 600 additional leisure centre memberships and £25,000 from extra badminton and sports hall bookings.
• Privately-operated 24-hour gyms are common across London, unlike council-run facilities with fixed hours.
• Cabinet committee endorsed draft budget last week; full council votes on final budget on 25 February 2026.

East London (East London Times) January 13, 2026 – Tower Hamlets Council is proposing to keep Whitechapel Sports Centre and Mile End Park Leisure Centre open until 2am most days to capitalise on demand from shift workers and younger adults, potentially netting extra income amid budget pressures. The plan, detailed in the draft 2026-27 budget starting April, forecasts £300,000 in new revenue against £250,000 costs, provided memberships rise by 600 and sports hall bookings add £25,000. Councillors on the cabinet committee endorsed the proposals last week, with a full council vote scheduled for 25 February.

What Are the Proposed New Opening Hours?

The proposals suggest both Whitechapel Sports Centre and Mile End Park Leisure Centre extend to 2am every day except Sundays. Currently, Whitechapel Sports Centre opens from 7am to 10pm on weekdays and 8am to 4pm on weekends and bank holidays. Mile End Park Leisure Centre operates 6am to 10pm weekdays, 8am to 6pm weekends, and 9am to 9pm on bank holidays. Tower Hamlets Council states this could meet “rising demand from shift workers and younger adults”, allowing badminton and other late-night bookings in the hall plus more access to the fitness studio.

Why Is Tower Hamlets Council Considering Late-Night Gyms?

Tower Hamlets Council aims to generate more income through extended hours at its leisure centres. The council explicitly notes the move could address “rising demand from shift workers and younger adults”. As reported in coverage of the draft budget, the authority highlights potential for increased usage of facilities like badminton courts and fitness studios during unsociable hours. This contrasts with privately-operated 24-hour gyms, which have become common across London, while council-run sites stick to specific daytime and evening schedules.

What Financial Impact Would Late-Night Openings Have?

The later openings could cost the council an extra £250,000 but bring in £300,000 in new income during the 2026-27 financial year. Proposals indicate this could translate to £100,000 in net income for 2027-28 and £120,000 the following year. However, achieving this requires leisure centre membership to increase by 600 people. Additionally, the council would need to raise £25,000 through badminton and sports hall bookings. These figures are embedded in the draft budget plans for the financial year starting April 2026.

How Does This Fit into the Council’s Broader Budget Plans?

The midnight gym proposal features in Tower Hamlets Council’s draft budget for 2026-27. Councillors on a cabinet committee endorsed these draft proposals at a meeting last week. The final budget faces a vote at a full council meeting on 25 February 2026. While the provided details focus on leisure extensions, the initiative underscores efforts to boost revenue streams amid fiscal challenges typical for local authorities.

What Are the Current Opening Hours of the Affected Centres?

Whitechapel Sports Centre currently welcomes users from 7am to 10pm on weekdays, shifting to 8am until 4pm on weekends and bank holidays. Mile End Park Leisure Centre opens earlier at 6am to 10pm weekdays, 8am to 6pm on weekends, and 9am to 9pm on bank holidays. These standard hours reflect the norm for council-run facilities, differing from the 24/7 model of private gyms proliferating in London. The push for 2am closures except Sundays seeks to bridge that gap for specific demographics.

Who Supports the Late-Night Gym Proposal?

Councillors on Tower Hamlets Council’s cabinet committee have endorsed the draft budget proposals, including the leisure centre extensions. No specific individual names or direct quotes from councillors appear in the reported details, but the collective backing came at a meeting last week. The full council, comprising all councillors, will vote on the final budget on 25 February 2026. Tower Hamlets Council itself frames the idea around practical demand, without attributing statements to named officials in the core announcement.

What Challenges Must the Council Overcome for Success?

Success hinges on recruiting 600 extra leisure centre members to hit income targets. The council must also secure £25,000 in additional revenue from badminton and sports hall bookings. Upfront costs of £250,000 for staffing and operations pose an initial hurdle, though projections show profitability from 2027-28 at £100,000 net, rising to £120,000 thereafter. Operational logistics for overnight shifts, such as security and maintenance, remain implied but unquantified in the proposals.

How Do Private Gyms Compare to Council Facilities?

Privately-operated 24-hour gyms have become commonplace across London, offering round-the-clock access that council-run sites lack. Tower Hamlets facilities adhere to daytime and early evening hours, limiting appeal to night owls or shift workers. The proposal positions the council to compete by offering late-night options up to 2am, focusing on halls and studios rather than full 24/7 operations. This hybrid approach balances revenue potential with public sector constraints.

When Will the Final Decision Be Made?

The cabinet committee endorsed the draft last week, advancing the proposals. The decisive full council meeting occurs on 25 February 2026, where all councillors vote on the final budget incorporating these plans. The 2026-27 financial year commences in April 2026, giving time for implementation if approved. No interim updates or delays are noted in the available details.

Why Focus on Shift Workers and Younger Adults?

Tower Hamlets Council identifies “rising demand from shift workers and younger adults” as the key driver. These groups often face barriers to standard hours due to irregular schedules or lifestyles. Extended access to badminton, sports halls, and fitness studios caters directly to them, potentially filling quiet overnight slots profitably. This demographic targeting underpins the income projections.