Campaigners fought hard to save the Central YMCA Club

 

The closure of the Central YMCA Club on Great Russell Street has caused anger and sadness among so many members of the community: - users, supporters, staff, old and young. A huge effort was made by many people to save the Club from being closed on 7th February.  But all to no avail. Another well used popular - and NECESSARY - community asset in central London is no more.

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Of course efforts are being made to re-open it and it's now called the ExY campaign. 

 

The Y space has already been made an Asset of Community Value by Camden with a very strong officer’s report.  Part of the strategy is to try to get the host building listed by Historic England.  To that end, the campaigners and the 20th Century Society have made a submission for listing.  Please write to the Case Officer in support, stressing the architectural and engineering heritage value of the building. Luke.Jacob@HistoricEngland.org.uk. The reference no. is 1493285.

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Here is a Summary of the reasons for listing.

1. In 2012 the World Monument Fund added British Brutalism to its watchlist in view of the loss of many such buildings;

2. It meets the criteria for Listing in terms of architectural and historic value;

3. It is the best surviving example of multi-use Brutalist architecture in London showcasing that style in the centre of our capital city and in that sense is unique in England;

4. It involved pioneering engineering which overcame difficult technical challenges;

5. The original enlightened brief from the CYMCA, outlined in pages 2-3, was successfully met through the unique internal layout of the underground spaces and ‘town squares’ and has been successful for almost 50 years as evidenced in the ACV testimonials;

6. It is unique as the largest underground community/sports and wellbeing space in England with the largest hanging swimming pool;

7. The architectural inter-related detailing both externally and internally remain almost unchanged;

8. It has an extraordinary social and cultural history, with many of pioneering national and international significance;

9. The extent and variety of activities over the years represent key assets for the communities of Central London, for example the largest programme for the over 60’s in England.

 

Closure of the YMCA Club - the back story

 

On Monday 2nd December that YMCA members and staff received an email from the charity that runs the Club saying that a decision had been made to sell the premises and that it would close on 7th February. To lose such a vital community hub impacts on everyone who lives in central London. The YMCA is London's largest gym and health and wellbeing centre and it provides essential services to a diverse range of ages and backgrounds. 

 

A week after the news broke, there was a deputation by YMCA members to Camden’s Cultural and Environment Scrutiny Committee; Cllr Sue Vincent also spoke in support. The Town Hall Chamber was packed with concerned residents. After the deputations and discussion, Scrutiny Committee Members gave their unanimous support to the Save the YMCA campaign. The webcast of the meeting can be viewed HERE.

 

Immediately after the public meeting, a steering group / organising committee was set up to lead the campaign, with many people immediately offering help and professional expertise. It was an inspiring example of community solidarity.

 

A petition against the closure gained over 8,000 signatures, underlying the huge importance of this facility.