Young people now have access to a new gym at the Damilola Taylor Centre (DTC) in Peckham, following a £56,600 upgrade.
The new gym comes in response to feedback from young people who highlighted the need for quality fitness equipment in a youth friendly space. The refurbished facility replaces an outdated and inaccessible gym with modern, fully accessible equipment, chosen directly based on young people’s requests. The gym now includes new treadmills, spin bikes, cross trainers, a multi-functional trainer, free weights, leg press, leg extension, abductor, lateral pulldown, chest and shoulder press, HIIT upper body machine, stair master, and rowers.
The DTC already offering a wide range of activities such as basketball, table tennis and football.
The gym is free to use for all registered young people in the borough aged 12+, and will be open during DTC’s staffed hours:
- Monday to Friday evenings: 6.15pm – 9pm
- Thursdays: 1pm – 5.30pm
Youth workers have been trained to run sessions targeting specific groups, such as girls and young women, and young people with disabilities.
Cllr Portia Mwangangye, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: "This upgrade is about more than just new equipment, it’s about creating a welcoming space where young people can build their confidence, socialise with friends, and improve their health. The fact that the design was led by their own ideas makes it even more special and I hope this draws more young people to the centre”.
A full timetable will be available within the next two weeks. For more information about the DTC offer, visit OneHub.