Member updates
GLL secures future for Covent Garden’s Jubilee Hall

Jubilee Hall Trust Ltd has confirmed that GLL, a not-for-profit Social Enterprise and the UK’s largest leisure trust, will take over Jubilee Hall Gym in Covent Garden and in doing so will secure the long-term future of this much-loved community space.
The leisure operator, which operates under the “Better” brand, has committed to investing £250k into the facility, introducing new gym equipment, refreshing the studio and changing rooms and installing a new hot water boiler. A new programme of activities will also be introduced to supplement the existing offer and Jubilee Hall Gym members will be given immediate access to Better leisure facilities across London and the wider UK, including the nearby indoor and outdoor swimming pools at the Oasis Sports Centre in Holborn.
Members of the Gym will also be eligible to apply for funding and practical help from the GLL Sport Foundation, the largest independent athlete support programme in the UK.
GLL has committed to honour existing arrangements for the gym’s self-employed personal trainers and other hirers for a minimum of six months, with staff transferred to GLL employment via the standard TUPE process.
Jon Giles, Chief Executive Officer of Jubilee Hall Trust Ltd said: “I am pleased that GLL, a Social Enterprise with the same values as Jubilee Hall Trust will take over at Jubilee Hall Gym. Not only will this safeguard the Gym for many years to come, providing security for personal trainers and hirers who remained loyal to us during recent, difficult times and enhancing members’ benefits considerably, it will also bring much needed investment which we simply could not afford to make.
In addition, it will enable our Trust to continue the important community work we do within our other centres. Opening after Covid with limited cash reserves to navigate through energy and cost of living crises put the charity at significant risk of closure but we now have a brighter future ahead of us. “
Carol Martin, Chair of the Jubilee Hall Trust trustees added: “The trustees are delighted to be handing over the reins at Jubilee Hall Gym to GLL. GLL offers benefits for members that far exceed anything we were able to provide, which I hope will encourage more members of the local communities back to Jubilee Hall Gym.
I’m proud of how hard Jon and his team have worked in keeping services running at Jubilee Hall during very difficult times. It is thanks to them and to the high regard that Jon is held within the community leisure sector, that we have been able to secure this offer from GLL. As such an experienced, well-established community leisure facilities provider, we are confident that Jubilee Hall Gym and its members will be in safe hands. “
Peter Bundey, Chief Executive Officer at GLL said: “This is good news for the local community, staff and partners.
“We will rejuvenate the facilities, improve the member offer and increase membership numbers, creating a space that is welcoming to everyone regardless of age, fitness levels or financial means. We will work to put Jubilee Hall back on a level financial footing, while our Social Enterprise status means that any future financial surpluses will be reinvested back into the inner London communities we serve.”
It is anticipated that Jubilee Hall Gym will be transferred to GLL by the end of November 2025.
About GLL
GLL is a not-for-profit social enterprise committed to providing affordable leisure, fitness, and cultural activities to communities across the UK. Operating under the brand “Better,” GLL manages over 240 leisure centres, libraries, and community services in partnership with local councils and organisations. GLL’s mission is to improve lives through accessible and high-quality sports, leisure and cultural services, reinvesting its profits to further its social objectives.
About Jubilee Hall Trust
The Jubilee Hall Trust is a charity that aims to build strong healthy communities by promoting the fitness and wellbeing of the individuals within them.
The Trust will continue to operate three health, fitness and sports centres in Hampstead, Southwark and Westminster and manage outreach community programmes such as GP Referral, Healthy hearts as well as invest more time to get their cancer Prehab and Rehab programmes off the ground with the Royal Free.