Branded as the “People’s Spa”, the rejuvenated facility stands out not just for its storied heritage, but for being one of the only council-owned and council-operated spas in the country.
Tower Hamlets Council has breathed new life into one of the capital’s most cherished landmarks by reopening York Hall spa – London’s oldest Turkish bath – under a new banner: Be Well The Spa. Following a substantial £500,000 renovation, the spa reopened 3 as one of the most affordable and inclusive wellness centres in the city.
Branded as the “People’s Spa”, the rejuvenated facility stands out not just for its storied heritage, but for being one of the only council-owned and council-operated spas in the country. In a climate where privatisation is the norm, this bold move is being hailed as a victory for community-first governance.
Public Ownership, Public Benefit
The decision to insource the spa’s management comes amid a wider initiative by Tower Hamlets Council to take full control of its leisure services. Executive Mayor Lutfur Rahman, who spearheaded the project, said the reopening marked a proud moment for the borough.
“We’re making history with this being one of the only spas in the country which is not only owned but also directly operated by a council, without any private company profiting from the service,” he said at the reopening ceremony. “It’s truly the People’s Spa.”
The move is part of a broader mission to enhance health and wellbeing in a borough grappling with high rates of obesity and health inequality. Tower Hamlets has some of the starkest disparities in life expectancy in London, with women living on average seven years less than men. Against this backdrop, the council’s focus is on making wellness more accessible — not more profitable.
A Modern Spa with a Historic Soul
York Hall first opened its doors in 1929, the same year as the Porchester Spa in Westminster, making it joint-oldest in London. Its original opening was graced by the Duke and Duchess of York — later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth — and then Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald. Archival photographs from Tower Hamlets Local History Library show the grandeur of that early ceremony, and many of the spa’s historic features remain intact today.
The revamped spa has kept the timeless charm of its Turkish baths while introducing contemporary treatments and facilities. Among the newest additions is an infrared sauna – a first for any council-operated spa in the UK – alongside a traditional sauna, aroma steam rooms, hammam, plunge pool, monsoon showers, and an ice fountain. Visitors can also unwind in the new relaxation lounge.
Affordable Wellness, Accessible to All
Perhaps the most transformative element of the new spa is its pricing. Starting at just £32.50, guests can enjoy the full thermal spa experience. Treatments begin at £30, with premium options such as Elemis facials (£45), Dead Sea mineral mud wraps (£35), and coffee body scrubs offering exceptional value for money.
Discounted memberships are available for a wide range of residents, including public sector workers, students, older adults, those with disabilities, and individuals receiving benefits. In a city where luxury spas can cost upwards of £100 per visit, Be Well The Spa is redefining what accessible self-care looks like.
Cllr Mohammed Kamrul Hussain, Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation, praised the initiative: “At a time when many leisure centres and swimming pools across the country are sadly closing, Tower Hamlets is bucking that trend. By investing in spaces like this, we are actively addressing health inequalities and improving quality of life for our residents.”
Beyond the Spa: A Borough-Wide Vision
The reopening of York Hall’s spa is part of a larger effort by Tower Hamlets Council to make wellness services widely available and affordable. All seven of the borough’s leisure centres have now been brought under council control following the end of a contract with private operator GLL in May 2024. This has already led to several community-focused initiatives, such as free swimming for women and girls over 16, and men over 55 — two groups found to be less physically active in the borough. Council-run leisure memberships now include access to all six active centres plus unlimited thermal spa visits, offering comprehensive packages for residents who want to invest in their health without breaking the bank.
A Blueprint for Other Councils?
Tower Hamlets’ decision to take leisure services in-house could serve as a model for other local authorities. “By bringing our leisure centres in-house, we’ve kept prices low and enhanced health and wellbeing in our community,” said Mayor Rahman. “I urge other councils to follow our lead and put people before profits.”
As London faces an increasingly privatised wellness landscape, the reopening of York Hall Spa signals that there is still room — and appetite — for public sector innovation that places community at its core.
In the shadow of nearly a century of history, Be Well The Spa stands as both a tribute to the past and a hopeful blueprint for the future — where wellness isn’t just for the wealthy, but a right for all.
