World's First YMCA on Great Russell Street to Close

Central London YMCA. Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons

The Central YMCA on Great Russell Street is set to close in February 2025 after being sold to real estate company, Criterion Capital. Not only is the 116,000 sq ft building the largest gym in Central London, but it is also the world’s oldest YMCA centre, open since 1911 and even serving as a shelter during World War Two. 

The YMCA is one of the UK’s oldest charities, founded by Sir George Williams in 1844. Williams sought to tackle the problems faced by London’s working class during the industrial era, with the YMCA movement running educational classes, establishing gyms and  fighting issues of unemployment during the 19th and 20th centuries.

During World War One, the YMCA became the biggest organisation providing welfare for soldiers on the frontlines, working alongside the Red Cross and the Royal Army Medical Corp. The YMCA returned to the military’s aid during World War Two, assisting prisoners of war in 36 nations. Although ‘YMCA’ was originally an acronym for ‘Young Men's Christian Association’, the association is now open to all regardless of age, gender or religion. 

Now, the YMCA continues to host community services with a focus on young people, working with communities across the UK to provide work experience, housing support, youth work and more. The Central YMCA on Great Russell Street hosts fitness classes, after-school sports, language classes, art workshops, first aid training, therapy and much more. The building also boasts a 25m swimming pool recently used in the BBC’s Children in Need 1,000-mile swimming challenge.

In their statement on the closure, YMCA have said that the sale will allow the charity to reinvest in “more sustainable” methods of serving the community, while facilities will remain active in their Moorgate and King’s Cross centres. However, YMCA members and staff have been disheartened by the news. Many mourn the imminent loss of the local community services provided by the Central YMCA and see the sale as part of a larger capitalist issue. Those against the sale of the building have created a petition with over 5000 signatures, along with a fundraiser for the Central YMCA.