Shopping centre-focussed gym chain signs at Manchester Arndale
XF Gym has added to sites at Liverpool’s St John’s and Merry Hill in the West Midlands with a 37,000 sq ft offering on at the retail complex.
The gym chain, which offers 24/7 facilities to users and targets shopping centres, has signed a 20-year lease on the former Clas Ohlsen unit at Manchester Arndale. Clas Ohlsen pulled out of the high street generally in 2018 and the unit has been vacant since.
Earlier this year, XF announced a deal to take over the former Wilko at St John’s Shopping Centre in Liverpool. This followed the brand’s debut letting at Merry Hill Shopping Centre in Dudley.
Laurence Benson, chief executive of XF Gyms, said the Arndale deal had been a long time in gestation.
“This deal has been six years in the making,” he said.
“We are proud to bring XF to Manchester — a city that’s bold and vibrant. In a crowded market of ordinary gyms, XF stands apart by delivering an experience powered by community energy.”
The XF Gym brand is born out of XtraFit, which started in Germany.
The Manchester deal is XF’s third in the UK and sees Manchester Arndale further diversify its offer away from retail. XF will join other leisure occupiers Urban Playground, which recently signed a lease extension, and King Pins, which opened last year.
Scott Linard, portfolio director for Arndale co-owner M&G Real Estate, added: “A strong leisure mix has become the backbone for successful retail destinations, so we are delighted to introduce XF Gym to Manchester Arndale.
“With a bustling city centre population, XF Gym are in the perfect location to serve Mancunian fitness needs.”
Metis Real Estate and Time Retail Partners are Manchester Arndale’s retained letting agents.
The news of XF’s deal at the Arndale comes just weeks after Place North West reported about another gym/shopping centre crossover; Everlast is planning to open a facility at Peel’s Trafford Palazzo.
