Gym deal at innovation park

Space North West has been granted planning approval for an 18,000 sq ft Ben Dunne Gym at Liverpool Innovation Park on Edge Lane.

Work will begin on site in May on the fit-out of the second Ben Dunne Gym in the North West, following Switch Island Leisure & Retail Park, Liverpool.

The inclusion of the gym at the park forms part of a wider mixed-use masterplan, which Liverpool Innovation Park is developing in co-operation with Liverpool City Council. Space Northwest is a joint venture between Ashtenne Industrial Fund and Homes & Communities Agency.

Wayne Locke, director of Ashtenne and Space Northwest, said: "This is fantastic news for the Park. Securing planning approval for this facility is another step forward in creating improved facilities for our occupiers and for the local area. The gym will also utilise a substantial area of space on the ground floor, helping to secure the future of the park."

Ben Dunne of Ben Dunne Gyms said: "Liverpool Innovation Park is the perfect location for us. With a floor space of 18,000 sq ft and free on-site parking, we will have plenty of room to provide a full range of free weights, cardiovascular machines and strength training facilities. It will also have a super studio with a full range of free classes running morning, lunchtime and evenings."

Liverpool Innovation Park is partly funded by the European Regional Development Agency.