MAJOR PROGRESS - BUT WE”RE NOT THERE YET!
Save our community! Save the Jubilee Hall ❤️
Shaftesbury Withdraws CLUED and Pauses Lease Purchase!
Westminster declares the space an Asset of Community Value
Thanks to our campaigning Shaftesbury Capital has withdrawn their CLUED application to reclassify Jubilee Hall Gym as Class E (a generic commercial gym) and put their plans to purchase the lease on indefinite hold.
And Westminster Council has confirmed the space is an Asset of Community Value.
Well done everyone!
Thanks to everyone at Covent Garden Community Association and the Covent Garden Area Trust and everyone else who has been campaigning.
Shaftesbury has finally acknowledged after nearly 12 months of secret discussions, that we, the community, deserve a say in Jubilee Hall’s future.
Michelle McGrath, Executive Director at Shaftesbury, told us: "We have put the process on indefinite hold to allow you and the Trust as much time as you need to enter into a constructive dialogue on what the way forward should be. We have also withdrawn our CLUED application."
This pause should give us the chance to shape the future of Jubilee Hall Gym—but let’s be clear: this problem hasn’t gone away. While Michelle’s shows Shaftesbury isn’t the villain in this story, it has paused its plans to allow the Trust and the community to figure out a way forward. But Shaftesbury is still watching.
Meahile Westminster City Council has declared the space an Asset of Community Value - giving it some protections.
THIS DOES NOT MEAN THE GYM IS SAVED
The focus now shifts to the Jubilee Hall Trust, where the issues of poor management and lack of accountability remain unresolved.
A Charity Should Not Have to Threaten Its Members
Jubilee Hall Trust has now resorted to putting up posters inside the gym that state:
“We ask that you always respect our staff and customers. If you are unable to, we may have to suspend your membership.”
This message, which is now prominently displayed in the gym, comes across as more of a threat than a genuine effort to foster mutual respect. Instead of engaging in open dialogue with members, the trustees have chosen a tone that implies punishment rather than collaboration.
A Pattern of Poor Communication
This poster is just another example of the trust’s dismissive approach to its members and the wider community. Over the past few months, concerns about the potential closure of Jubilee Hall Gym have been met with silence, vague reassurances, or outright refusal to engage. Requests for financial transparency have been ignored, and alternative proposals for saving the gym have been pushed aside without proper consideration.
Instead of fostering an environment of trust and collaboration, the trustees have positioned themselves as gatekeepers who dictate terms without accountability. This latest poster only reinforces that perception.
The Role of a Charity
Jubilee Hall Trust exists to serve its members and the local community. A real community-focused charity would recognise that difficult conversations are part of the process and that respect must go both ways. People are angry because they feel unheard, and when people feel unheard, frustration grows.
Instead of warning members about consequences, the trust should be addressing the underlying issues:
Why are members so frustrated that they feel the need to speak out?
Why do they feel disrespected by the decision-making process?
Why have their repeated calls for transparency been ignored?
A Call for Change
The situation at Jubilee Hall is rapidly becoming a case study in how not to engage with a community. Instead of posting passive-aggressive warnings, the trustees should be creating forums for discussion, answering difficult questions, and proving that they truly have the best interests of the members at heart.
If a charity has to threaten its members into silence, it has already failed in its mission.
Thanks to the hard work of the community, we were able to request Shaftesbury Capital to withdraw their offer, preventing the gym from closing. This victory demonstrates the power of collective action and community advocacy. However, the fight is not over—true accountability and transparency from the trustees are still necessary to ensure that Jubilee Hall Gym remains a thriving space for its members.
It’s time for Jubilee Hall Trust to do better.
A letter to Jubilee Hall Gym Management:
Let’s Build on What We Have
Dear Board of Trustees and Management of Jubilee Hall Gym,
The future of Jubilee Hall Gym is at a crossroads. With the anticipated lease surrender no longer providing the financial outcome initially expected, it’s time to focus on what’s here: a community asset in the heart of Covent Garden that has the potential to thrive with the right approach.
Covent Garden’s Jubilee Hall Gym has served generations, and its unique location is not a liability but a strength. The path forward lies in thoughtful investment, innovative ideas, and a genuine commitment to revitalizing this cherished space. Let’s look at how other community gyms have turned challenges into opportunities—and how Jubilee Hall Gym can do the same.
Learning from Success Stories
EmpoweredFIT, Wirral
Investment: £100,000 from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund
Outcome: Membership soared from 300 to 3,000 (2017–2023)
EmpoweredFIT transformed a struggling gym into a thriving community hub with strategic investment and community-focused services. Jubilee Hall Gym can leverage similar models of reinvention—with tailored programs that meet local needs.
Finchley & District Amateur Boxing Club, London
Grant Support: £124,250 from the National Lottery
Outcome: Facility upgrades and increased community engagement
Finchley Boxing Club’s journey shows how targeted funding can modernize facilities and attract new members. A robust grant application strategy could unlock opportunities for Jubilee Hall Gym to innovate and modernize while preserving its historic charm.
Duke Fitness C.I.C., Scotland
Model: Community Interest Company (CIC)
Focus: Parent-friendly gym addressing childcare challenges
Duke Fitness proves the power of understanding and meeting specific community needs. Jubilee Hall Gym, with its diverse membership, is uniquely positioned to introduce inclusive programs and partnerships that enhance its appeal.
Old School Gym, Mablethorpe
Grant Support: Local funding for equipment upgrades and facility expansion
Outcome: Improved services and community engagement
Sometimes small, practical changes can have a huge impact. Whether it’s upgrading equipment or hosting community events, Jubilee Hall Gym doesn’t need a multi-million-pound overhaul to make meaningful progress.
Community Leisure Recovery Fund (CLRF), London
Funding Source: National Lottery and Sport England
Outcome: Post-pandemic recovery for leisure centers
Post-pandemic funding helped many gyms recover and thrive. Exploring these and other funding sources should be a priority for ensuring Jubilee Hall Gym’s long-term sustainability.
A Path Forward: Balancing Heritage with Progress
Jubilee Hall Gym’s location within a listed building comes with unique challenges. Renovations and updates must respect the building’s heritage while enhancing its usability and appeal. A strategic plan that balances these priorities can ensure both community needs and historical preservation are met.
Here are some pressing questions:
Talk to Us: The gym is filthy and cold, and staff seem unprepared to handle injuries. Where is the staff training? Isn’t this a breach of legal responsibilities? Are you purposely running the gym down?
Leadership Accountability: Why are you trustees if these fundamental issues persist? Where is all of this headed?
Transparency: Members deserve clear answers about the gym’s future and the steps being taken to address these ongoing problems.
A Community Asset Worth Fighting For
The financial landscape may have shifted, but the mission remains unchanged. Jubilee Hall Gym has the potential to remain a cornerstone of Covent Garden with the right leadership and vision. The examples shared above show what’s possible when challenges are met with creativity and determination.
This isn’t about assigning blame or dwelling on setbacks; it’s about seizing the opportunity to create a brighter future for Jubilee Hall Gym. The community is ready to support this transformation. Will you rise to the occasion?
Let’s work together to ensure Jubilee Hall Gym continues to serve as a beacon of health, fitness, and community in Covent Garden for generations to come.
The Trust Must Step Up—or Step Aside
Shaftesbury has listened. The Trust hasn’t. Despite Shaftesbury informing the Trust over a month ago that they were disengaging, the trustees are still keeping it secret. That tells you everything.
Here’s what we want: please write to the Trust to tell them:
1) New Management:
The current management team doesn’t believe the community should play a part in Jubilee Hall’s future. How can they be trusted to save it? We need a dedicated team with innovative ideas and a clear vision to ensure the gym’s success.
2) Restructure the finances:
This might mean restructuring the Charity Bank loan or using profits from the other gym to give the gym three years to turn things around. This breathing room is critical to stabilize finances and allow for meaningful change.
3) Invest in the Gym’s Future
Stop deliberately running Jubilee Hall down! The gym can’t survive if it’s left to crumble. The gym needs a fresh strategy focused on rebuilding memberships and using the unique space for other things – community and commercial.
4) A Total Rethink
The Trust needs to accept why it is a charity, fundraising and using money to keep the Jubilee Hall. It’s time to stop managing the gym like a burden and start seeing it as an opportunity.
WRITE TO
Jubilee Hall Trust
30 The Piazza
London WC2E 8BE
Save Jubilee Hall Gym: A Community’s Fight for Its Legacy
In the 1970s, Jubilee Hall was saved from developers by a charity created with a single mission: protect this gym for our community. Now, the same charity wants to abandon its purpose, handing over the keys to a vast property company ready to replace our gym with yet another retail space aimed at tourists.
THIS DOES NOT HAVE TO HAPPEN.
We all know how badly the building has been run. And we now see the truth—the Trust has drifted from its mission to protect our space. Now it is dropping falsehoods to stop us protesting and has even spent charity money on a PR company to drive the surrender through.
The deal has not been done. There is no alternative space. It does not wish to involve the community.
This website is for everyone who cares about Jubilee Hall Gym and wants to save it.
Join us in our fight to protect this historic space for future generations. Together, we can hold the trustees accountable, push for transparency, and explore real solutions that keep Jubilee Hall where it belongs—in the heart of Covent Garden, serving our community..
THE BATTLE FOR THE GYM
THE COMMUNITY VS THE TRUST
WHY THE TRUST CAN’T BE TRUSTED
After deciding in secret a year ago to sell our gym, the Jubilee Hall Trust is still battling with the people it is supposed to serve to get this deal through regardless of our needs.
The Trustees say it can’t afford the space and would rather have the cash to spend on other vague charitable causes. But they won’t get to grip with the heart of the problem - the charity and the gym are very badly managed.
They would rather present the community as the enemy.
THE TRUSTEES
Most of the Trustees are determined to push this deal through, despite the concerns of the community
The Trustees at Jubilee Hall seem to have forgotten the community they are supposed to serve. They kept the deal secret because they didnt want us to start complaining. Luckily some people were so appalled by this that they let the cat out the bag….and just in time
No one was consulted and no one was asked for help, no one’s needs were taken into account
Central YMCA weren’t so lucky. Their gym was sold under their noses, strangely almost simultaneously as the Jubilee Hall Trust were trying to sell ours.
When people started to hear about their secret plans, the Jubilee Hall Trustees blamed the community
In fact, it should be working with the community to save the Jubilee Hall for the next generation
THE TRUSTEES SHOULD BE RETHINKING THEIR POSITIONS
PERHAPS THEY SHOULD NOT BE RUNNING THIS CHARITY OR TO BE RUNNING A GYM DESIGNED TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY
DO THE RIGHT THING!
A New Space?
The latest piece of disinformation is the promise of a new space in Covent Garden.
That could be great. But where are the details?
How likely is the Trust to be able to get an 84 year lease at peppercorn rent for a space remotely equivalent? Get real!
The Jubilee Hall is a special building in the heart of Covent Garden - no wonder Shaftesbury wants it so badly. With its history, its more than a building - its the heart of our community.
The Trust has only started “looking” for a space as a reaction to this campaign.
Let’s not forget the months of the Trust denying any deal was in play.
Please forgive us for doubting but if you really have secured a space PRODUCE THE EVIDENCE.
Its hard to trust people after so many lies.
Our objectives
Our Mission: Save Jubilee Hall for the Community
The Jubilee Hall Gym is a lifeline, a space for health, connection, and well-being in Covent Garden. Our goal is clear: we want to preserve Jubilee Hall for the community it was built to serve. Together, we’re fighting to ensure that the legacy of Jubilee Hall continues as a valuable community asset—not as another retail space.
Our Demands:
Be a charity It’s time to focus on rebuilding Jubilee Hall as the community-centred resource it was always meant to be.
Engage
The real shock is the way the Trust has only just started talking to its users - and this is not real engagement. Advised by expensive lawyers and a PR company, it is sticking to its original aim - to get this through and stamp on the community. This is not just wrong but against its original charitable aims. We want a stave of execution so that people who want to save the gym are driving the process - not people who want to close it.
Revitalise the Trust
We demand a transition to trustees who:Recognise that their principal duty is to make Jubilee Hall work for the community.
Have strong ties to Covent Garden and its people.
Represent disadvantaged communities, ensuring that those who need Jubilee Hall most have a voice.
Bring expertise in leisure and fitness to guide Jubilee Hall into a vibrant future.
Transparency and Accountability
We need financial transparency. By opening the books, the Trust can allow other experts to explore sustainable ways to finance and protect Jubilee Hall, ensuring it thrives without compromising its mission.
Why This Matters
Jubilee Hall Gym has been more than just a gym. For decades, it has provided an inclusive, welcoming space in the heart of Covent Garden. We believe that the Trust must honour its responsibility to the community and keep Jubilee Hall’s doors open.
What community?
Some of the original locals and Londoners for whom the Jubilee Hall was saved have moved on - they’ve been forced out of Covent Garden by high rents and the places they work in have been displaced by fashion brands – a piazza aimed at foreigners shopping rather than the community.
Despite that, for some locals this space is still an essential lifeline: if you’re older, or have disabilities, or mental health issues, where else can you do exercise in comfort and with the knowledge you are not being judged - however you feel? There are classes and training whatever your situation – classes totally unique to Jubilee Hall. Its a place where you meet other like minded people.
The hall is and has been a space space for all kinds of disadvantaged communities- and was famous for being a safe space for all members of the Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans Queer/Questioning community (and others) long before the term LGBTQ+ was coined.
Though under current management, the Hall has drifted towards the sort of very general sports health you can get in any gym, the communities it is aimed at is still there and needs to be a special private unique space.
While most of Covent Garden is exclusively aimed at tourists. this is a unique opportunity to save a prestigious part of Covent Garden for Londoners .
And its our last chance.
NO MORE LIES!
The Trust has recently been “engaging” with the community after months of denying anything was going on. The so called “engagement” has only happened when it was forced to come out. The Trust’s new PR company suggested it.
Every meeting produces a different version of the truth - sometimes some extraordinary fabrications.
When asked for detail, nothing emerges.
The latest porky is the promise of a brand new space in Covent Garden almost as good as the Jubilee Hall - if not better. If this is true, show us.
It is only one of many messages stretching the truth
This kind of approach, patronising the people who really care about the gym, can only go so far.
Please start telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
About Us
We are a group of individuals who felt compelled to protect Jubilee Hall after discovering, by chance, a secret plan to sell this long-standing community resource.
We only found out when someone made a casual remark in the gym—then we started investigating. It turned out that the Trust, which owns the gym, had been working on this plan for months, entirely in secret. Now, after excluding the community they are supposed to serve, they falsely claim that a sale is necessary and inevitable. The deal has not been signed (despite what they say), and we believe Jubilee Hall can still be saved.
We love Jubilee Hall because it is a unique, safe space for all kinds of disadvantaged and marginalised Londoners.
Jubilee Hall has been at the heart of Covent Garden since the late 1970s when it was saved from developers. Back then, it withstood the GLC’s plans to bulldoze the area to create a network of roads. Since then, the gym has served as a cornerstone of the local community. Thousands of people have benefited from the Hall, finding not only a place to exercise but also a safe, welcoming community.
Unfortunately, the Trust and its Chief Operating Officer have been spreading a great deal of misinformation about what’s happening. This website is here to keep people up to date on the campaign and to present a truthful version of events. It also serves to counter the Trust’s behaviour by giving the community a voice.
We’re looking for people to join our campaign. If you have expertise and would be interested in helping to take over and run the gym, we would especially love to hear from you.
Please sign up to our mailing list, share your thoughts, and, if possible, lend a hand!
The Story So Far
The leasehold for Jubilee Hall is owned by The Jubilee Hall Trust, a charity established to “promote and maintain facilities for recreation and other leisure-time activities in or around Covent Garden” … “in the interest of social welfare for the benefit of the local community.” This charity was created specifically for Jubilee Hall; hence, the name Jubilee Hall Trust, and why its Memorandum of Association refers directly to this space.
The lease extends until 2113—another 89 years—and is on a peppercorn rent, making it an incredibly valuable asset for the community.
Last year, Shaftesbury Estates, a large property company that owns most of Covent Garden and Soho, and the freeholder of Jubilee Hall, made an offer to the Trustees to buy back the lease, on the strict understanding the offer was kept confidential. This secrecy would allow background work to proceed without the scrutiny of affected communities. Given the only people the secrecy benefits are Shaftesbury, it is odd decided to accept.
It’s important to remember that Shaftesbury’s vast profits today are built on the foundation laid by campaigners who saved Covent Garden—and Jubilee Hall—from the developers’ bulldozers in the 1970s and 1980s. One of those developers was Capco, now known as Shaftesbury. The company has been wanting to get its hand on the site for 40 years.
For the six months to June 2024, Shaftesbury reported a gross profit of £80.7 million for the six months ending June 2024 - mostly built on owning the West End. Shaftesbury donate some small amounts to the local community, but when it comes to a big transaction, it is all about profit.
Despite Jubilee Hall’s being an essential community asset—and indeed the Trust’s most valuable resource—the Trustees agreed to consider this sale, arguing that the gym was no longer as profitable as it once was.
The Trust’s finances have declined due to years of poor management. A former staff member embezzled £1 million; the Trust borrowed funds for an expensive (and unrequested) building project; and the COVID-19 pandemic led to further losses in membership and revenue. Despite these challenges, the Trust continues to make a profit from its other gyms, though it does not own them.
We believe the Trust has failed in its duty to protect its most important asset—an asset that benefits local residents rather than tourists and is of immense community value.
Despite a recent PR push to “engage with the community,” many critical questions remain unanswered:
Why have they not consulted with stakeholders and industry experts?
Why have they excluded members from these decisions?
Why is management so top-heavy?
Why does the Trust prioritise its other gyms?
Why has there been no creative effort to raise revenue and manage it effectively?
Why do so few Trustees have ties to the area or use the gym?
Why isn’t Shaftesbury, the freeholder, contributing more to the building’s upkeep?
Why hasn’t there been a greater effort to engage with the community and explore new ideas to revitalise Jubilee Hall?
Thanks to campaigners like us, the Trust now claims it is exploring other spaces in the area. But these will never match the unique value of Jubilee Hall—a beautiful, airy venue right in the heart of Covent Garden. Given the current Trustees’ mismanagement, we have little confidence that they will secure a suitable alternative.
WHO WE ARE
At the moment, we are just a small action group dedicated to saving the building. We need others to help.
One of our campaigners is Noreen Rahman, a former secondary school mathematics teacher turned quantity surveyor. To her, Jubilee Hall isn’t just a gym; it’s a treasured sanctuary, a place of connection and renewal that has shaped her life profoundly. For Noreen, losing Jubilee Hall would mean losing an irreplaceable piece of her heart and a space that continually brings her joy and calm amidst life’s hustle. You’ve probably seen her down at the gym at lunchtimes
Another is Paul Foley, a brand creative specialising in creating engaging and memorable “brand experiences” in the retail, leisure and events sector. Paul has enjoyed the experience of being a member of Jubilee Hall Gym for over 30 years and believes the gym space must be one of the most beautiful leisure spaces in the whole of London and to lose it as a community gym space would be a complete tragedy.
Our Allies: Defending Covent Garden’s Community Gym
We’re grateful to have several dedicated allies who share our commitment to preserving the unique community spirit of Jubilee Hall Gym. Like the Jubilee Hall Trust, these organisations were founded to protect Covent Garden’s amenities during the turbulent late 1980s, a time when a massive Greater London redevelopment plan threatened to carve two-lane carriageways through Covent Garden's heart. Unlike the Jubilee Hall Trust today, these allies remain steadfastly focused on safeguarding Covent Garden, working to keep it a place for both residents and visitors—not solely a tourist destination.
Key Organisations Supporting Jubilee Hall:
The Covent Garden Community Association (CGCA)
CGCA collaborates closely with authorities and residents on issues affecting the environment, housing, traffic management, street lighting, and public safety. Their mission is to ensure the community’s voice is heard on all matters that shape the area.
The Covent Garden Area Trust (CGAT)
Established to protect Covent Garden’s historic architecture and unique character, the CGAT conserves the special qualities that make the center of Covent Garden so beloved.
Additional Key Supporters:
Rachel Blake, MP for Cities of London and Westminster, has publicly voiced her belief that Jubilee Hall Gym should remain open to serve the community.
Action
Behind the scenes, a lot of discussions are going on trying to save the gym. The Covent Garden Community Association has asked Westminster City Council to list it as an Asset of Community Value. But this will only go so far, if it happens: we need volunteers to help us through this by coming up with a viable alternative plan which may involve changing the way the gym is run.
Take Action: Sign the Petition
Join us on Change.org by signing a petition started by a concerned professional urging the Jubilee Hall Trust to reconsider its stance.
Every signature strengthens our case and amplifies our voices as we fight for Jubilee Hall’s future.
Together, with our allies and supporters, we can ensure that Jubilee Hall remains an enduring community space for generations to come.
WE NEED YOU
We Need You
To save Jubilee Hall, we need passionate people with the right expertise. If you have skills in building commercial or community engagement, we’d love to hear from you!
We’re also looking for volunteers to help campaign for the gym’s future, as well as anyone who can offer specialised expertise in planning, property, legal, leisure, or charity sectors.
Please get in touch if you can help in any way at all!
This is the Jubilee Hall Trust
The Jubilee Hall Trust was created to save our gym, but now its Trustees are pushing to sell (or surrender) it to a large property company. Although the Trustees have impressive backgrounds in mergers, acquisitions, retail, and finance, most aren’t connected to the communities they are meant to serve.
Managing a gym for the community—especially one as unique as Jubilee Hall in Covent Garden—demands a specific commitment. Yet, the Trust recently removed the biographical details of its Trustees from its website, raising questions about transparency. Here, we provide profiles of some Trustees and ask why they hold these roles and why they are so invested in the sale.
Meet the Trustees:
Carol Martin (Chair) – Appointed 2019
Corporate and Commercial solicitor with 30 years’ experience advising on M&A, joint ventures, shareholders' agreements, and strategic alliances. Partner at Gunnercooke LLP.Jeremy Simpson – Appointed 2018
Former Chief Financial Officer of Carpetright, with significant experience in M&A, investor relations, and managing global business operations.Samantha Bussey – Appointed 2019
Global Head FX and NDF Reset Risk Mitigation and partner at Gunnercooke LLP. A seasoned finance professional with a successful track record in Capital Markets and Financial Services.Jamie Homer – Appointed 2019
International HR and Business Development Director with experience at Urban Outfitters, Anthropologie, and Selfridges. Specialises in cultural transformation, private equity, retail, consumer lifestyle brands, and growth.Sebastian Bull – Appointed 2022
Strategic Advisor for Associated British Ports, with expertise in occupation strategy.
Longer-standing Trustees:
John David Guy (Barrister)
Involved in the Trust’s founding.Josephine Anne Weir (Artist) – Appointed 1997
Linda Chung – Appointed 2012
Former Camden Councillor (2008-2014, re-elected in 2022) with experience in several business sectors and international executive search.Timothy Mitchell – Appointed 2004
Westminster Councillor for St. James Ward, where Jubilee Hall is located.
Management Team:
Jon Giles (Chief Operating Officer)
Appointed CEO in 2019, Jon began his career as a lifeguard, basketball coach, gym instructor, and personal trainer. He was Deputy Manager at Cannons City Club from 2000-2002. Just two months ago, Jon stated on LinkedIn that the charity was viable.Oliver Deen (Head of Business Development)
Former Deputy Club Manager at LA Fitness (2009-2012) and Leisure Club Manager at the Marriott Hotel (2012-2013). Oliver served as General Manager at Jubilee Hall from 2013-2023, became Group Sales Manager in 2021, and Head of Business Development in October 2023.
A Response to the Letter from Jubilee Hall Trust
The letter from Jon Giles, CEO of Jubilee Hall Trust, is framed in such a way as to suggest there was no alernative. Each carefully chosen phrase is crafted to convey a sense of financial prudence and stakeholder engagement. But when you examine it closely, there is so much left out, and ultimately it raises questions about the decision-making process that doesn’t align with community interests.
Let’s examine the main points.
1. Three Years of Deliberation—or Missed Opportunities?
The Trust mentions three years of deliberation about the gym’s future, citing challenges such as COVID-19 and rising costs. But if the commitment to serving the community was truly there, wouldn’t this time have provided opportunities to explore alternatives like partnerships, fundraising, new ways of management, or community-backed financing? Why did they embark on an expensive vanity refurb without consultation or market research on what people want? If if was true, (and our understanding the decision only came following Shaftesbury’s offer) it says a lot about the management that the conclusion was simply to surrender the lease.
2. A “15-Month Marketing Exercise” Ending with the Landlord’s Offer
The letter describes a 15-month marketing effort that resulted in “interest from a number of potential purchasers,” yet the best offer was ultimately from the landlord. It is strange that until we heard the rumours no one knew of the sale - what was this ”marketing exercise?” We’d love to see anything to prove an open marketing exercise took place. Was there actually any process and if so did it include searching for a buyer committed to keeping the gym open for the community. We understand the Trust only decided to sell because of the offer - which was only last year. (The idea that gym members only care about the Grade II listed building and not about what it stands for is almost insulting.)
3. ESG Commitments and Community Exclusion
Jon Giles implies key stakeholders, including the Charity Commission and local councils, and local amenity groups, have been involved in the decision and indeed support it. As you can see, local groups are actively against the sale while the community itself has been excluded from decision-making, even though it’s its wellbeing and access to services at stake.
4. “Surrendering Our Lease in Return for a Premium”
The decision to “surrender the lease in return for a premium” is central here. The Trust frames it as financially responsible, but the lease’s purpose mandates this building for use as a gym. Unlike selling the lease, which might have required continued gym operation, this surrender grants full control back to the landlord. While financially beneficial to the Trust, (for some unspecified future projects) this decision doesn’t appear to prioritise the original mission of maintaining a community gym.
5. Promises of Transparency and Community Involvement
Jubilee Hall Trust says it is keeping the community “informed,” yet this letter, has only been sent only after the decision was made. A vague mention of “alternative premises” and “partnerships with local venues” for gym services is designed to calm us down. Where are these? Given they claim they have had 15 months to look, its beggars belief that they actually have alternative premises. (And if they do, show us!)
6. Preserving Legacy—or Surrendering It?
The letter concludes by framing this choice as a responsible way to preserve the Trust’s legacy. However, it’s difficult to see how surrendering the lease to the landlord honours the charity’s objectives. Jubilee Hall’s mission since the 1970s has been to serve as an accessible, affordable gym, and this step feels more like an abandonment of that commitment than a preservation of it.
A letter with much missed out
The Jubilee Hall Trust’s leadership has chosen a path that prioritises financial remuneration over the community purpose it was founded to serve. The letter leaves more questions than answers about who ultimately benefits from this decision, and whether it respects the trust that Jubilee Hall was built on.
The Truth vs. The Narrative
The trust cites financial strain as the primary reason for the proposed sale of Jubilee Hall Gym, suggesting that the gym’s operation is unsustainable. However, a deeper look at the gym’s financial data reveals a different story. Here’s a fact-based breakdown:
Key Financial Facts
Reserves Management: The charity has consistently maintained reserves within official guidelines, which is indicative of sound financial planning rather than immediate financial distress.
Recent Surpluses: In the financial year ending March 2023, the Jubilee Hall Trust reported a surplus, with income exceeding expenses by £160,000. This aligns with earlier reports, suggesting that the Trust is financially viable.
Major Support from Grants: The gym has successfully secured substantial grants in recent years, including from Sport England, the DCMS, and the London Marathon Charitable Trust. These funds were earmarked for specific projects, proving that Jubilee Hall has access to diverse income streams beyond membership fees alone.
Options That Haven’t Been Explored
The trustees have opted to sell or surrender the gym without considering several widely-used financial strategies that could maintain Jubilee Hall as a community resource. These include:
Community Fundraising and Partnerships: Many community gyms rely on partnerships and local fundraising to bolster income and cover maintenance costs. With a strong supporter base, Jubilee Hall could engage the local community in a structured fundraising campaign.Even during Covid, asking for support was half hearted at best
Refinancing and Grants: With a history of successful grant applications, Jubilee Hall Trust has ample opportunity to pursue further funding. Options like refinancing could also be explored before resorting to asset sales.
Other activities With a venue as spectacular as this, in the heart of Covent Garden, on a peppercorn rent, why hasn’t the management looked to doing new things in the gym? When it comes to increasing income it seems to have no imagination. Even the cafe, in the heart of Covent Garden, is never promoted!
Loan The Trust has a loan from the Charity Bank which inexplicably it is determined to pay off immediately - but hasn’t explored other options or extending it
Reducing Service Charges: Negotiating reduced service charges with landlords or suppliers is a standard approach for non-profits facing financial pressure. This option, however, appears not to have been explored by the trustees.
The Call for Transparency
The community deserves a full, open discussion of all financial options. Rather than viewing Jubilee Hall Gym as an expendable asset, the trustees should consider it as a vital part of the charity’s mission, requiring innovative solutions rather than quick sales.
The Great Gym Surrender: Jubilee Hall’s “Lease Surrender” Is More Complicated Than It Appears
I’ll admit it—I was a bit on edge walking into the meeting with Carol Martin. This wasn’t just any chat over coffee. Carol Martin is a seasoned Corporate and Commercial solicitor, a partner at Gunnercooke LLP with three decades of experience in M&A and strategic alliances. We the Save Jubilee Hall Action group sent her a direct letter, loaded with our concerns about the future of Jubilee Hall Gym, demanding transparency and urging the trustees to actually listen to the community this gym has served for generations. Now, we were face-to-face.
From the moment she started speaking, Carol set the tone with a firm “let’s set the record straight” approach, correcting us on every minor detail, as if we were back in school. When we mentioned a “potential sale” of the lease, she swiftly interjected: “No, please be clear. This lease is being surrendered, not sold.” The way she repeated this, like a mantra, made it seem as though this tiny legal difference was the lynchpin that would unravel all our arguments.
And sure, for a moment, it almost did seem like a clever legal strategy—right up until I dug deeper and realised what was really at play here. Carol Martin’s insistence on the word “surrender” wasn’t just nit-picking; it was a carefully orchestrated legal manoeuvre. Here’s why that word matters so much: “Selling” the lease would have involved a buyer taking on Jubilee Hall Gym with the community purpose intact, or at the very least, wrestling with the fact that the lease mandates gym use. Selling to anyone would still bind the property to community use.
But “surrendering”? That’s where things get ethically murky. By surrendering the lease, the Trust can legally hand it right back to Shaftesbury Capital, giving them full control to do whatever they please with the property. Gym? Gone. Community service? Out the door. Full discretion to Shaftesbury Capital without even a hint of community input. This isn’t just a technicality; it’s a fast-track workaround to dodge the whole purpose the lease was meant to serve.
The “Gotcha!” Moment and What It Means for the Community
And here’s where the “Gotcha!” moment hits. By emphasising “surrender,” Carol wasn’t merely playing a game of legal semantics; she was revealing a strategy to sidestep Jubilee Hall’s entire community purpose—a plan so ethically questionable, you’d expect it to make Shaftesbury Capital’s ESG team (Environmental, Social, and Governance, for the uninitiated) seriously uncomfortable.
ESG has become a powerful force in corporate strategy, representing a company’s commitment to environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and sound governance. For Shaftesbury Capital, whose ESG policy touts community engagement and sustainable practices, abandoning Jubilee Hall’s social mission for pure profit flies right in the face of these principles. Corporations today champion ESG to build public trust, mitigate risks, and demonstrate a commitment to something beyond profit. But what good is an ESG commitment if, at the first sign of a high-value property handover, it evaporates? Shaftesbury’s decision to reclaim Jubilee Hall Gym through “surrender” suggests that the company’s community support is more slogan than substance.
The Ethical Fallout—and Why the Community Shouldn’t Be Fooled
This is about more than semantics. Carol Martin’s insistence on “surrender” rather than “sale” wasn’t an intellectual exercise; it was a strategic revelation. And if the Charity Commission and Westminster council are genuinely on board with this decision, it’s worth asking: do they understand how completely this move undermines the lease’s original purpose?
The optics here are more than a little ironic. Shaftesbury Capital may publicly tout its ESG commitments, but when it comes to Jubilee Hall Gym, the commitment to community wellbeing seems to be more of a “nice-to-have” than a “must-do.” The decision to “surrender” the lease is a clear signal: when profits call, ESG promises are left waiting at the door.
So, let’s be real—this decision is not about preserving Jubilee Hall Gym’s legacy. It’s about side-lining the community to reclaim prime real estate. It’s a cold, calculated move dressed up in legal language, and for anyone who cares about Jubilee Hall’s original mission, it’s more than disappointing; it’s a betrayal.
And Carol Martin? Well, she may have aimed to clarify the legal details, but instead, she handed us a “Gotcha!” moment, revealing just how much this decision misses the mark on ethical community stewardship. There’s no clean “surrender” here—just a serious sidestep of duty, all in the name of expedience.
Now is the time to stand up for Jubilee Hall Gym. This isn’t just about saving a gym; it’s about preserving a beautiful, iconic building that belongs to the people. Write to the Charity Commission, contact local council members, and spread the word. Demand that the trustees honour Jubilee Hall’s purpose and keep this community landmark in the hands of those it serves. Together, we can ensure Jubilee Hall remains a legacy in Covent Garden—an elite facility that inspires and empowers generations to come.
"Why Selling/Surrendering Our Beloved Gym’s lease Is Like Letting Thanos Snap His Fingers"
Jubilee Hall Gym: Still Standing—For Now
Remember that ominous email from our CEO, hinting that the gym’s days were numbered, with a summer timeline for closure? Well, here we are, still standing. Carol Martin, Chair of the Jubilee Hall Trust, recently declared that the gym is “technically under offer”—but the sale hasn’t gone through. What does that even mean? And why hasn’t the deal been sealed?
Understanding “Technically Under Offer”
In real estate lingo, “under offer” usually means that an interested buyer has made a move, but the ink isn’t dry yet—think of it like a Hollywood cliffhanger. Jubilee Hall being “technically under offer” suggests someone wants to buy the lease, but it’s not a done deal. So, why is it stuck in limbo?
Is it because the community is making noise? Are the regulators getting involved? Maybe the trustees are realising that there are still a few hoops to jump through. Whatever the reason, the gym’s doors are still open, and our chance to change the plot is right now.
The Trustees’ £7 Million Gamble
The trustees are ready to sell Jubilee Hall’s lease for a cool £7 million, claiming this one-time windfall could benefit the community through various projects. But here’s the kicker—they don’t have a new location lined up. Instead, they’re hoping to move to a smaller, rented space that doesn’t yet exist. It’s like selling the crown jewels and hoping the plastic replicas will do the trick.
Jubilee Hall is more than a line item on a budget sheet. It’s the jewel in Covent Garden’s crown—a place where elderly locals, LGBTQ+ members, people with disabilities, and families all find a sense of belonging. Trading it for £7 million might look good on paper, but what happens when the money runs out and the community loses a space that’s been a lifeline for over 40 years?
The Real Value of Jubilee Hall
The trustees are betting on a quick cash injection, but let’s break this down. A study by Oxygen Consulting valued the gym’s social benefits at £1.6 million annually. So, in about four years, Jubilee Hall provides nearly as much value as the one-time £7 million sale would generate—and it keeps giving back, year after year.
Selling Jubilee Hall for a quick payout is like pawning Captain America’s shield. Sure, you might get some cash, but once it’s gone, so is the strength, resilience, and community spirit that made it priceless in the first place.
What’s the Plan, Really?
This situation calls for a plot twist. Instead of selling out, why not look at ways to make Jubilee Hall self-sustaining without throwing away its legacy? Here are a few ideas:
Community-Centred Fundraising: Hosting local events or securing sponsorships could bolster finances while deepening community ties.
Strategic Partnerships: Teaming up with businesses and social enterprises could attract new members and keep Jubilee Hall’s mission intact.
Revamping Membership Options: Introducing tiered memberships, including corporate options, could increase accessibility while generating more revenue.
Grants and Government Funding: As an established community asset, Jubilee Hall could secure ongoing support from organisations like Sport England or health-focused charities.
Community Events: Hosting fitness days, charity runs, or renting out the space could provide a steady income stream while keeping the community involved.
Losing the Jewel in the Crown
In our recent meeting with Carol Martin and Jon Giles, we hoped for collaboration, but we got a sales pitch instead. They spoke about a £7 million lease sale as if it were a golden ticket. But here’s the truth: that £7 million is just a number, and once it’s gone, the community is left without the safe, inclusive space that Jubilee Hall has been for decades.
Why hasn’t a new space been found? Why is the focus on cashing in on Jubilee Hall instead of finding a way to keep it alive? The reality is, they’re treating this community treasure like a disposable asset.
A Gym Worth Fighting For
Jubilee Hall is like our very own Infinity Stone, a gem that powers our community’s health, well-being, and unity. It’s a space where everyone—regardless of background—can feel safe, included, and welcome. Why should it be sacrificed for a one-time cash gain? Trading it away is like letting Thanos snap his fingers, wiping out something irreplaceable for the sake of short-term gain.
The Path Forward
The gym’s “under offer” status may sound ominous, but it also means there’s still time. We can demand transparency, press for new leadership, and push for a plan that keeps Jubilee Hall thriving in its rightful place. It’s time to rally, to make noise, and to show the trustees that this community isn’t going anywhere.
Imagine if Jubilee Hall were managed like a true community gem—a place that actively seeks new members, embraces partnerships, and puts the needs of Covent Garden first. The story doesn’t have to end with a sale. We can write a different ending, one where Jubilee Hall stays right where it belongs, shining in the heart of Covent Garden.
Let’s keep the jewel in the crown. Let’s make sure that this gym, with all its history and heart, remains a space for everyone—for today, for tomorrow, and for generations to come.
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