National gym chain revealed for Blackpool’s Talbot Gateway development

The Gym Group has been revealed as the fitness centre operator moving into Blackpool’s Talbot Gateway Central Business District (CBD).

Urban regeneration firm Muse Developments and Blackpool Council confirmed last month that a national gym operator was taking space at the development, but initially withheld the name of the company.

The Gym Group has signed up for 17,233 sq ft on a 15-year lease and is due to open the Blackpool facility in Q2 2016.

The property director of The Gym Group, Jonathan Spaven, said: “Talbot Gateway CBD has revitalised Blackpool town centre and seemed like the perfect location for us.

“We look for sites with excellent transport links and retail and leisure facilities in the immediate locality and the area provides just that.”

He continued: “Our aim is to make health and fitness accessible and affordable to all. We want to attract a whole new leisure market and provide the local community with a high quality, 24/7 access, no-contract gym that does not compromise on quality, at an amazingly affordable price.”

Blackpool Council’s cabinet member for municipal assets, Cllr Fred Jackson, commented: “We’re delighted to have a national gym operator on board and they will be a big draw for Talbot Gateway.

“With regards to the gym, we’re really excited to be increasing the town’s fitness offering and because the facility will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, it will provide the ultimate in flexibility for people who want to exercise at a time that suits them.”

Property sector advisory firm Montagu Evans represented the council in attracting a gym operator to the site.

Partner Gavin Anderson said both Montagu Evans and Blackpool council were “delighted” to have The Gym Group setting up shop in the town.

He said: “We have been working on this deal for some time and are delighted to have secured one of the main national gym operators.

“There was tough competition for this space and The Gym Group will really boost the area and further improve the appeal of Talbot Gateway CBD.”