The world’s first YMCA is closing in London

For many people, the word ‘YMCA’ will make you think of a catchy tune and a silly dance, performed by men dressed up like firemen and police officers. But before it was a universally known disco bop, the YMCA was a charitable recreational centre, gym and place for young men to live. 

Now, the world’s first YMCA, opened in 1911, is closing down. The Central YMCA on Great Russell Street, which is now home to central London’s largest gym, has announced it will shut in February when the building will be sold. 

In a statement posted online, YMCA chief executive Ryan Palmer said ‘mounting challenges facing the charitable sector’, alongside rising maintenance costs, the YMCA had to conduct a ‘strategic review’ of the viability of keeping the central London centre open. 

‘With demographic changes in the city centre; the ageing of the Club building and accessibility and spacing issues; changes to health and wellbeing practices, and soaring site maintenance costs, it has become clear that the cost of operations at the Club are now not being covered by the number of members the Club can sustain,’ Palmer said. 

The YMCA has decided to sell the building at 112 Great Russell Street, with all operations ceasing on February 7 2025. 

Originally opened in 1911, the building was used as a shelter in World War II before being demolished and rebuilt in the 1970s. Now, it’s home to a massive gym, 25m swimming pool, sauna, steam room and offers more than 125 classes each week. 

Palmer added: ‘I am sincerely grateful to everyone who has contributed to the Club over the years. Our priority now is our Club members and staff, and we will continue to support them in any way we can.’

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