The leisure centre will once again stay open until midnight to help Muslim residents stay active while fasting in the Holy Month
Members will have access to the main gym, women-only gym and spa facilities(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Abbey Leisure Centre is extending its opening hours once again during Ramadan, so Muslim residents can stay active in the evenings after they break their fast. The leisure centre, managed by Everyone Active, is working with Barking and Dagenham Council and will stay open until midnight throughout the holy month.
The extended hours will run from February 17, when the holy month of Ramadan is expected to begin, until March 18, when Eid al-Fitr is expected, for those that wish to exercise late into the night after Iftar. Members will have access to the main gym, women-only gym and spa facilities.
Hasan Romel, Area Contract Manager at Everyone Active, said: “We’re really pleased to be extending our opening hours again during Ramadan, following the fantastic feedback we’ve received in previous years. t’s important to us that all members feel supported and welcome, particularly during such a significant time of the year.
Abbey Leisure Centre are proud to be accommodating to their local Muslim residents for the holy month(Image: Everyone Active)
“By staying open later, we’re giving people the flexibility to look after their physical wellbeing in a way that works alongside their spiritual commitments. Creating inclusive, welcoming spaces that reflect the needs of our local communities is central to what we do, and we’re proud to continue offering this support throughout Ramadan.”
Due to the leisure centre being in one of London’s most diverse boroughs they have championed the way in investing in accessibility and inclusion for all.
The women-only section of the gym opened its doors in 2022, and the centre has seen a significant rise in female members. The space offers the same high-quality equipment as the main gym, making it just as inclusive.
The main gym went through a refurbishment of £500,000 in recent years, to upgrade their equipment and introduce cardiovascular and strength equipment, including treadmills, cross-trainers and weight-training equipment.
Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader of the Council and Cabinet Member for Community Leadership and Engagement, said: “Barking and Dagenham is a wonderfully diverse borough, and this is a small but meaningful way we can support the local community, promote inclusion and ensure leisure services are accessible to everyone.”
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