Tower Hamlets Council to Review Community Centre Accessibility Following Petition
Tower Hamlets Council is undertaking a review of its community premises portfolio to improve accessibility for local groups, following a petition highlighting the underutilisation of the Chiksan Friendly Club. The petition, presented at a council meeting on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, calls for greater access to the centre for community use during evenings and weekends.
The Chiksan Friendly Club, located on the ground floor of Hambourg Street, is currently used as an operational nursery that is open from in the morning for three hours every day.
Petitioners Jahed Ahmed, Syed Faruk, and Tabassum Ahmed argue that the centre is significantly underutilised, particularly during evenings and weekends, and that community access is very limited.
They are requesting access to the centre to host a range of activities, including over-50s health and well-being sessions, and to provide support for the elderly with benefits and council tax forms. The petitioners also highlighted the need for SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) activities, for which they are currently hiring another centre at a significant cost. They stated they do not mind, and we are happy to share, responsibility for the centre with the current organisation that is running the nursery. We do not oppose the nursery being there. We actually love the nursery to be there. But we want to use the centre because it's underused, underutilised, especially in the evenings and the weekends.
They specifically mentioned that they would like access to Chiksan East community centre due to current space limitations.
Councillor Minara Khatun, Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism, acknowledged the work done by the TRA (Tennis and Residency Association). She confirmed that the council is currently reviewing the community premises portfolio, and we'll consider your request as part of that review.
Councillor Abdelha Chowdhury, also Cabinet Member for Leisure, Culture and Tourism, emphasised the council's commitment to making all of them accessible for community groups.
The petition was formally referred to the Corporate Director for Housing and Regeneration. A written response is expected within 28 days, detailing the council's considerations regarding the Chiksan Friendly Club's accessibility. This review is part of a broader effort by the council to ensure its numerous assets are made accessible for community groups.
Further details on council meeting agendas and reports can be found in the Public reports pack, Agenda Supplement, and Agenda frontsheet for the meeting.