Residents across Barking and Dagenham are set to benefit from a £300,000 investment in local libraries, creating new opportunities for people of all ages to get active, improve their wellbeing and connect with their community.

The funding, awarded through the Libraries Improvement Fund (LIF), will support the creation of Digital Physical Activity Hubs in six libraries across the borough. These innovative spaces will feature sports simulators and dedicated activity zones, offering group exercise sessions, individual workouts and virtual fitness classes.

The initiative aims to inspire residents, particularly young people, to become more physically active, while transforming libraries into vibrant, multi-purpose spaces that support both learning and healthy lifestyles.

This investment forms part of a wider £127.8 million national funding package supporting 130 cultural venues, museums and libraries, ensuring communities across the country can continue to access vital cultural and community spaces. The funding is delivered through the government’s Arts Everywhere Fund, a £1.5 billion commitment to strengthening cultural infrastructure.

Fiona Russell, Director of Care, Community and Health Integration at Barking and Dagenham council, said: “This £300,000 investment is a fantastic boost for Barking and Dagenham and will help us transform our libraries into dynamic spaces that support both learning and healthy living. By introducing Digital Physical Activity Hubs, we are creating new opportunities for residents of all ages to stay active, improve their wellbeing and connect with others in their community. This project reflects our commitment to making our libraries welcoming, innovative and relevant spaces at the heart of local life.”

The new Digital Physical Activity Hubs will help ensure Barking and Dagenham’s libraries remain sustainable, well-used and responsive to community needs while supporting residents to lead healthier, more active lives while strengthening the borough’s cultural offer.

Culture Secretary, Lisa Nandy said: “I want everyone, everywhere to feel a sense of pride about where they come from. Cultural organisations across London are important custodians of local identity and play a key role in the story we tell ourselves as a nation. 

"Our Arts Everywhere Fund is delivering on our commitment to support cultural assets across the country, increasing access and preserving them for future generations. This is demonstrated by grants announced today that will benefit twenty-four culture venues, museums, and library services across London. 

“Arts and culture are the beating hearts of our communities; they have the power to unite us in the face of division and break down barriers to opportunity. We want to harness the power to help us build a brighter future for the people of London.” 

Michelle Walker, London Area Director, Arts Council England, said: “This significant investment is a vital step in safeguarding the future of cultural venues, museums and libraries at a time when many are facing real challenges. Across London these spaces are the backbone of our city, where communities come together. 

“By supporting these essential improvements this funding will help ensure that these venues remain open, sustainable and accessible for years to come, protecting the creative spaces that London’s artists and audiences rely on."

In Barking and Dagenham, the funding will directly support the ambitions to improve health outcomes, tackle inactivity and reimagine libraries as inclusive spaces that meet the evolving needs of residents. 

The Digital Physical Activity Hubs are expected to launch in Autumn 2026. Residents can look out for more information at https://ourhubsbd.london/