Members of Parliament have formally urged a "significant" upgrade to the Westminster estate’s on‑site gym after a wave of complaints about its dilapidated state. Labour leadership hopeful Al Carns and a veteran minister highlighted safety hazards and inadequate facilities, prompting the House Administration Committee to call for an immediate overhaul and a longer‑term expansion.

Al Carns and Veterans Minister Flag Safety Risks in Basement Gym

Labour MP Al Carns publicly criticised the gym’s condition, describing it as "too tatty" for a workplace meant to promote health. The veterans minister, a former Royal Marine, told the Administration Committee he had to dismantle part of the ceiling to perform pull‑ups, underscoring structural shortcomings.. According to the committee’s report, the gym is "nowhere near the level we would expect" and must be "significantly improved".

£40‑£45 Membership Fee Deemed Excessive for Sub‑Par £25,000 Taxpayer Subsidy

The current £40 monthly fee ,rising to £45 with towels, has drawn sharp criticism because taxpayers cover any shortfall. the charitable trust that runs the facility received £25,000 in public funds last year, effectively costing the public purse about £44 per member per month, given only 560 annual members.. The committee noted that the price point appears disproportionate to the "gym experience" offered.

Calls for Expanded Locker Capacity and 24‑Hour Access

Witnesses urged the committee to increase locker space and add provisions for hanging formal attire, a request that reflects the unique dress code needs of parliamentarians . The report also highlighted the lack of 24‑hour access, which limits use for MPs with irregular schedules. In the longer term, members advocated for a larger, purpose‑built facility elsewhere on the Westminster site.

Health‑Specific Support Remains Unaddressed

Beyond equipment upgrades, MPs raised concerns about support for colleagues undergoing menopause or receiving slimming injections , suggesting that the gym’s role in broader wellbeing initiatives is currently under‑served. The committee’s findings note that very few parliamentarians are regular users, pointing to a possible mismatch between the facility’s design and the health needs of its intended users.

What Remains Unclear: Cost Estimates and Timeline for the Overhaul

The report stops short of providing a budget for the proposed renovations, leaving taxpayers and MPs in the dark about the financial impact of a major rebuild. Additionally, the timeline for both the immediate equipment upgrade and the longer‑term construction of a larger gym has not been set, raising questions about when the promised improvements will materialise.