Pitfield Estate Proposed Street Gym - new locations
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.
In February, we asked you what you thought about this proposal. While most people who replied to the survey were in favour in principal, you were concerned that the original proposed location (the former drying green) would cause a disturbance for nearby flats. You can download the report below, or see the original survey here.
We would therefore like to propose three alternative locations (based your suggestions), and ask for your feedback on these:
Option A: on Pitfield Street open area, west of Royal Oak Court 37-54
Option B: on Pitfield Street, north of Royal Oak Court 1-18 and beside Ashford Street
Option C: a space within the existing playground, separated by a barrier
Options A & B would require the installation of a small rubberised surface, roughly 10x12m, to support the bars
You can give us your feedback on these alternative locations here, email us at consultation@hackney.gov.uk or call us on 020 8356 7850. Please let us have any comments by Monday 6 July 2026.
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:
Unlike the 'green gyms' you might see in parks, there is no mechanical equipment included, and there will be no seating areas for people to congregate.
Frequently Asked Questions
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?
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. There are no mechanical elements.
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.
How will you make sure residents aren't disturbed by noise?
Activities sessions will not go on late into the evening. We are keen to discuss any other potential noise reduction measures with residents.
When would it be installed?
We would hope to install it this autumn, between September and November 2026.
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.
Come and find out more
On Thursday 25 June from 3.30-6.30pm we'll be on the estate with some examples of the gym bars for you to try. Come and say hello!
We'll also be out and about on the estate between now and 6 July to answer any questions and gather your views.
Which is your preferred location?
Interests
- Connecting Hoxton
- Health and wellbeing
- Parks & green spaces
- Sport & leisure
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