Derwent seals Stretford gym letting

The Gym Group, which operates a chain of 186 gyms across the country, has agreed to lease a 15,000 sq ft unit at White City Retail Park for its next Greater Manchester branch, due to open in July.

Unit 5 is owned by landlord The Derwent Group and is located on one of the city-region’s busiest retail parks alongside occupiers including M&S Food, Aldi, Home Bargains and Curry’s.

The park is on the A56 Chester Road, close to Salford Quays and Old Trafford football ground, and is fully owned by the Derwent Group.

James Maule-Finch, senior asset manager for the Derwent Group, said: “Securing The Gym Group will see Unit 5 given purpose for the first time and bring a strong lifestyle offering to the park’s largely home and food orientated tenant mix.”

The Gym Group plans to invest around £1.3m in the 15,000 square feet gym, which will give members a sizeable and well-ventilated gym fitted with a range of quality exercise equipment, it added.

Members will benefit from affordably priced contract-free memberships, 24/7 access and on-site parking, for £17 per month. To comply with Covid-19 health and safety protocol, the company has recently updated its app to give its members contactless entry as well as the ability to check how busy the gym is before attending.

The Gym Group has other sites across Greater Manchester, including in Manchester city centre, Fallowfield, Altrincham, Stockport and Handforth. The Stretford branch is intended to further expand the company’s reach in the area and provide communities with better access to affordable fitness, it said.

Oliver Tester, head of property acquisition at the Gym Group, added:  “The pandemic has shone a light on the importance of fitness for mental and physical health, and we are pleased to be increasing our presence in Manchester and giving further access to our gyms for the community within Stretford.”

“There are substantial opportunities ahead for further growth,” he said. “Our strong covenant and impressive track record make us an attractive choice of tenant to landlords, and we are well placed to benefit from the significant changes in the retail property market.”

The unit is on White City Retail Park