Fledgling gym chain snaps up Liverpool Wilko
XF Gyms will operate a 30,000 sq ft fitness centre out of the collapsed retailer’s former St Johns Shopping Centre store having signed a 25-year lease.
The Liverpool site is XF Gyms second in the UK. The firm recently launched a 40,000 sq ft gym within a former Debenhams store in Merry Hill in the West Midlands.
The gym is expected to open this autumn after the transformation of the former Wilko store completes.
It will feature an open-plan workout zone, a women-only space, and studio space for various fitness classes yoga and high-intensity interval training.
Laurence Benson, chief executive at XF Gyms, said: “St. Johns Shopping Centre is the perfect home for our expansion.
“With its central location and excellent transport connections, we’re making world-class training facilities, market-leading wellness spaces, and a supportive community more accessible than ever. XF Gym isn’t just a place to train—we are a movement. And we can’t wait to help every member thrive.”
Mark Harvey, executive director at RivingtonHark, which manages the shopping complex, said XF Gyms would be a “fantastic addition” to St Johns Shopping Centre.
XF Gyms joins JD Sports, Aldi, Home Bargains, Argos and Matalan at the 540,000 sq ft St Johns.
More people go to the gym than the pub nowadays
By Anonymous
This is a great use of this large site in the middle of town with the growth in residential and the presence of hotels.
Liverpool City Council should take note here as they have the former St John’s Market site available for re-use ,and I would suggest conversion into a centre with squash courts, as well as the recent trend for padel. This would be a great place to meet and exercise while in town and I think it would earn money for the council if run well.
By Anonymous
Brilliant. It’s not a gambling establishment or a drinking chain for a change
By Anonymous
Won’t last 12 months
By James James
Unfortunately I feel that to move into St John’s is a huge mistake for any company let alone a fledgling company. That place has been in steep decline for many years
By James James