Hull Community gym opening: A new chapter for The Peel Project and Places for People

In the heart of Hull, The Peel Project has officially opened a new community gym, supported by Places for People (PfP) and Places Leisure, to provide a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for local residents. 

After identifying the need for affordable and culturally sensitive gym provision in the area, The Peel Project set out to create a space designed by the community, for the community. The purpose of the gym is what sets it apart, including offering exclusive women-only access each week, supported by a free creche, alongside a youth provision and affordable memberships to remove barriers to fitness. 

This new centre has the unique offering of integrating health services, youth support, and physical activity in one trusted space for families and young people to those who need it most.  

The gym has been fully refurbished to create a multi-purpose community facility including a main gym floor with cardio and strength equipment, a boxing ring and combat/fitness training area, a youth hub, and space for health, wellbeing and statutory services to deliver outreach sessions.  

Jamal Choudhury, Co-Founder and Managing Director of The Peel Project, added:

“This gym has only been possible because of the belief and support of our partners, and I want to sincerely thank Places for People, Places Leisure and everyone who has worked with us over the past 12 months to help make this happen. Together alongside 1500+ hrs of volunteer support, we’ve created a state-of-the-art, community-led facility in the heart of Central Ward. 

I’m genuinely excited about the impact this will have on the area. This facility gives us the opportunity not only to improve health and wellbeing and introduce it to new audiences and young people, but to grow as an organisation - developing our staff and volunteers, strengthening our reputation, and building the foundations to deliver even more opportunities for the community while advancing our five core social outcomes.” 

Places Leisure, part of PfP, donated £24,800 worth of equipment to the new gym including cardio machines, strength and resistance machines, free weights and boxing equipment. They also worked with partners to supply storage, logistics, and servicing from PSLT Fitness Solutions and additional equipment from D2F. 

Richard Cowley, Director of Communities North, for Places for People said:

“This gym is more than a fitness space - it’s a symbol of what can be achieved when communities and partners work together.  

“As the UK’s leading social enterprise, PfP is in a unique position to be able to bring together multiple parts of our group to help and support organisations like The Peel Project in breaking down barriers to health and wellbeing and creating thriving communities. 

“Supporting projects like The Peel Project is exactly what we aim to do - help local organisations grow stronger and make a lasting difference.” 

The Community Gym reflects the strength of collaboration across the PfP Group, with multiple businesses supporting The Peel Project through funding and resources and a total of £57,500 donated over the last five years.     

The women-only sessions will provide a culturally sensitive environment and a space for women to relax, connect and build confidence. Free gym and boxing sessions will be offered to women and young people as well as affordable and discounted memberships for others. 

The official opening marks a new chapter for The Peel Project - creating opportunities, improving health, and building a stronger future together.