Gym members in Southwark face a potential fee increase to £43.99. Some worry the hike is “too much” despite improvements.
The monthly fee could jump from £31.99 to £43.99, meaning an extra £144 each year. A reporter spoke to gym users on February 6th; some people may switch gyms, as they think these price hikes are too much.
Vanessa, age 62, has used the gym for eight years and thinks the rise will stop people from coming. Instead of the gym, people might just exercise at Southwark Park, which is nearby.
Luana, age 48, wants gym improvements, saying the gyms are in poor condition and that she has complained many times about this. She mentioned flies in the women’s changing area and hopes they fix overcrowding in classes too.
Simon Treacy, age 37, thinks it’s still a good deal because private gyms are much more expensive, and he prefers his money to go to the council. He visits Seven Islands once or twice weekly and, while he can afford the fee increase, he knows it will affect others and can be hard for people on a budget.
Another gym user thinks it’s worth it because Canada Water Leisure Centre is opening soon with a new gym and pool coming in spring, after which Seven Islands will close. The new center includes 150 gym equipment pieces, two pools, fitness studios, and a sports hall.
Councillor Portia Mwangangye spoke about the issue, saying the council is committed to quality facilities, and they want to promote health and wellbeing for all because the centers offer great value to people. She said services are a public health service and they prioritize vulnerable residents in the area, offering free swim and gym sessions, with senior citizens receiving free sessions and students and veterans getting discounts too.
The fee increase helps maintain these programs and funds gym refurbishments; the council wants a clean environment and is working on cleanliness and overcrowding, planning to invest in the facilities.
