'We've secured the future of our boxing club'

The owner of a community boxing club says buying its long‑time home has secured its future and unlocked investment for improvements.

Camberley Boxing Club has bought the freehold of the building it has occupied for more than 40 years, with its owner saying the deal "secures the future" of the community gym.

Head coach Charles Oliver, 48, who has run the club since 2013, said while the club had been "quite safe" with 50 years left on its lease, "you never know what's around the corner".

Surrey Heath Borough Council, who sold the site, said: "The proceeds will reduce the council's outstanding debt, and improve its financial position."

Oliver said the sale would unlock investment from backers who had been reluctant while the site was council‑owned.

He said they had plans to modernise the "very old-school" gym, improve accessibility for disabled children and make the space more user-friendly.

The building, which dates back to the 1980s, was expensive to run, he said, adding heating it was like having "to take out a mortgage".

He said the club remained focused on serving the community, describing it as "for the youngsters" and supported by volunteer coaches who gave their time for free.

The gym is funded through memberships and local sponsors.

Oliver said it was "an expensive hobby" into which he had invested significant personal time and money.

Kel Finan-Cooke, Surrey Heath portfolio holder for property and economic development, said the club had "offered boxing training to the local community for decades, helping to keep people fit and active".

She said the sale would "help preserve the community asset for the long term".

The site is protected by a restrictive covenant requiring it to be used for physical exercise and leisure.

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