Physical Culture, an iconic powerlifting gym in Putney, south London, is fighting for survival after its landlord, Places for London, proposed a significant rent increase. The gym, which has operated under railway arches since 1928, is one of the oldest powerlifting gyms in the country and has trained champion athletes including Olympians and actor Sean Connery.
Rent hike threatens century-old institution
Since the Covid-19 pandemic, Physical Culture has faced financial strain. Its annual rent rose from £26,500 to £45,000, but after negotiations, a stepped rent of £41,500 over three years was agreed. Now, Places for London wants to raise the rent again from November by inflation plus one per cent.
Chris Quinn, who has run the gym since the late 1980s, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS): "The problem for us is that everything was fine up to the pandemic, and since the pandemic we’ve just been in survival mode."
Community and heritage at stake
The gym has trained notable athletes, including George Hackenschmidt, the first World Heavyweight Wrestling Champion; Olympians Graham Savory (shot put) and Gary Powers (javelin); Commonwealth weightlifting medallist Michael Pearman; World’s Strongest Man 1993 Gary Taylor; and actor Sir Sean Connery, who trained there before and after being cast as James Bond.
Physical Culture secured Asset of Community Value status from Wandsworth Council this year, giving the community six months to bid if the landlord decides to sell. However, the rent increase remains a threat.
Quinn said the base rent is already unaffordable for independent businesses like his, and further increases would be unsustainable. Places for London suggested applying for grants, but Quinn noted these may not succeed or provide long-term support.
Gym’s role in community well-being
The gym serves people of all ages and abilities from across London, fostering community and combating loneliness. Quinn said: “You’re all the same when you’re in the gym. ... people talk to each other in between sets, so it forces people into communities. They get camaraderie.”
The gym’s website states: "Preserving this space means preserving a living piece of local heritage, not as a museum, but as a working, active community asset that continues to serve the public."
Landlord’s response
A Places for London spokesperson said: “We hugely value the contribution made by small and medium size businesses on our estate. ... We recognise Physical Culture’s history and contributions, and are working closely with them and the GLA to ensure it continues to be financially viable. ... We have proposed a rent increase of only RPI+1 per cent for Physical Culture.”
Donations to support the gym can be made via its website.
