YWCA Central Club swaps W1 for SE1

The charity has taken a lease on the building formerly occupied by Novas Scarman's Contemporary Urban Centre which shut down in April.

The organisation provides a members' club open to men and women for a fee of just £10 a year.

A programme of part-time courses, most of which are open to both men and women, is offered.

The new facilities at Southwark Bridge Road will include a women-only gym at prices lower than commercial health clubs.

The YWCA Central Club has been at 44 Portland Place since 2002. Its original home in Great Russell Street is now a hotel.

In its planning application to Southwark Council, YWCA Central Club says that it has been seeking a new central London location that would enable it to forge stronger community links.

The charity recently received planning permission for the proposed change of use of the old CUC building and signs have now appeared on the doors announcing the new occupier.