Gym group opens as centre undergoes strategic repositioning
Capital & Regional (C&R) has announced the opening of the UK’s largest gym operator, PureGym, at the Marlowes Shopping Centre in Hemel Hempstead.
The popular gym chain has opened in a 15,000 sq ft unit adjacent to The Marlowes South Court entrance, with direct access to the gym from within the shopping centre.
PureGym surpassed its opening target, reaching 1,200 members before opening and 1,500 members in the first week. The gym is expected to attract around 5,000 members from the local town,
The signing of PureGym marks a milestone in Capital & Regional’s long-term strategy to reposition the offering at The Marlowes as a retail and leisure destination, anchored by the needs-based retail tenants that continue to drive steady footfall and revenue across Capital & Regional’s portfolio.
Robert Hadfied, commercial director at C&R said: “We’re on an exciting journey at The Marlowes, which started with the launch of the portfolio’s second Family Zone, followed by the introduction of Tinies. With the opening of PureGym, not only have we reached another exciting milestone, but we have answered the longstanding need for a leading gym operator in the local area.”
Duncan Costin, property director at PureGym said “We’re delighted to finally have secured space in Hemel Hempstead to bring our low- cost high value gym offer to the local population. I don’t think there is a better location in the town in which we could have placed ourselves, given the huge amount of investment planned for the Marlowes.”
