Pitfield Estate proposed street gym
Overview
We have an opportunity to install a 'street gym' (exercise bars) on the Pitfield Estate, Hoxton. This would be a free resource available to all residents and the local community that would help boost everyday health and wellbeing.
The equipment has been donated by Raza Sana Community Interest Company - a not-for-profit organisation that runs community health and well-being projects. In addition to the equipment, they could offer a selection of organised activities for all abilities and ages to encourage people to get active.
We would like residents to tell us:
-
Would you like to have the street gym installed on the Pitfield Estate?
-
What sorts of organised sessions might you be interested in?
Let us know by filling in the short survey below by 3 March.
You can also email us at consultation@hackney.gov.uk
If you would like this information and survey in another format or language, email us at consultation@hackney.gov.uk
About the street gym (exercise bars)
Equipment could include pull up bars, monkey bars, a pole and press-up stands, similar to this gym on the Northumberland Park estate in Haringey:
(Updated 10/02/2026) Following feedback received so far from residents, we are exploring a couple of different options for where the gym could be located.
One possibility is the hard surface of the former drying area in the south east corner of the estate, outlined in red below. The area will need to be extended slightly by approximately 2 metres onto the grass.
Another possibility could be a corner of the existing playground. This could be fenced off from the main play area for safety.
Both are outlined in red below:
In addition, we are exploring the benefits of installing automatic lighting in the gym area, and planting a hedge behind it to screen it from homes.
How will you deter antisocial behaviour (asb)? eg there won’ be any seating so it won’t encourage hanging out, automatic lighting From Juan at Raza The gym design only caters for physical activity and has no seating options for anyone to hang around in it (the bars are not very comfortable to sit for longer than a couple of minutes). We are also considering installing automatic lighting that would also deter antisocial behaviour.
Who will be able to use the equipment?
The gym will be open to everyone to use, free of charge.
What sorts of activities could happen in the free fitness sessions?
We'd love to hear more about the sorts of ways you'd like to get fit. Some sessions that Raza Sana could offer are:
Youth sessions could consist of calisthenics (basic bodyweight exercises), circuit training, strength building and boxercise.
Women-only sessions could consist of circuit training and strength building, alongside breathwork, mobility and core stability.
Over-50s sessions could focus on mobility, gentle movement, strength building and breathwork.
All sessions will be beginner friendly and have demonstrations by the coaches of how to use the equipment safely and correctly to allow participants to gradually build confidence.
What's the difference between a street gym and a green gym / outdoor gym?
Some of the outdoor gyms you may have seen in parks include mechanical gym-style equipment, similar to traditional indoor gyms. The street gym is a selection of simple bars that allow different types of activity using your own bodyweight for resistance, such as pull-ups, dips and press ups.
How will you deter antisocial behaviour (asb)?
The gym design only caters for physical activity and has no seating options for anyone to hang around in it; the bars are not comfortable to sit on for longer than a couple of minutes.
We are also considering installing automatic lighting, and are keen to discuss this option further with residents.
How will you make sure residents aren't disturbed by noise?
Activities sessions will not go on late into the evening. We are also considering planting a low hedge to muffle noise. We are keen to discuss this option further with residents.
When would it be installed?
The plan is to have it installed for late Spring. Installation would take 7-10 days.
How will it be paid for?
The equipment is being donated by Community Interest Company Raza Sana, at no cost to Hackney Council or residents of the estate.
Who will be responsible for maintenance?
Hackney Council's Communal Works Department will look after the gym. They also maintain the play areas and outdoor spaces on our estates.
The wellbeing benefits of street gyms and outdoor exercise
Whatever your current level of fitness, street gyms can help everyone feel empowered to improve their physical and mental health. They are safe, accessible spaces that anyone can use free of charge.
Using the equipment helps build:
-
Physical health — through increased mobility, strength and fitness.
-
Mental wellbeing — through reduced stress, improved confidence and emotional resilience.
-
Community cohesion — through stronger social networks, reduced isolation and increased participation.
-
Personal development — through pathways into employment, including a Community Health Coach programme.
Community activities day
Saturday 7 February 2026, Pitfield Estate 11am-2pm
Thank you to everyone who came along to talk to us and try out some activities. Following your feedback, we will be exploring a range of possible locations for the gym. See above.
If you have already given us your feedback, but want to add further comments relating to other possible locations, please share your views via the link. Your original comments have also be saved.
Interests
- Children and young people
- Health and wellbeing
- Parks & green spaces
- Sport & leisure
Share
Share on Twitter Share on Facebook