A new 30,000 sq ft fitness centre opens in Liverpool city centre, costing £5m to fit out and creating around 20 jobs. Tony McDonough reports
A 30,000 sq ft fitness centre has opened its doors in St Johns Shopping Centre in Liverpool city centre.
Located in the former Wilko store, the XF Liverpool gym and wellness facility has cost £5m to fit out and has already signed up hundreds of members. It will create up to 20 jobs.
XF includes a smoothie bar and a resident DJ providing a “high-energy” soundtrack. It also offers a large open-plan workout zone, Hyrox space and strength zone, spin, yoga, Pilates, boxing and dance classes and saunas, showers, sunbeds, and “vanity areas”.
It joins well known retail brands as a tenant at the 540,000 sq ft St Johns. They include JD Sports, Storm, Aldi, Liverpool FC Store, Sainsbury’s, Home Bargains, Argos and Matalan. St Johns is also now home to a mix of cafes, bars, restaurants and a hotel.
Laurence Benson, chief executive at XF, said: “The opening was everything we hoped it would be —hundreds of new members, an incredible buzz, and Liverpool’s famous energy filling our gym.
“XF is all about community, and we are proud to open our doors right here in the heart of the city. We can’t wait to help our members achieve their goals and to grow in this amazing city.”
This new gym is located on the upper mall and is open Monday to Friday 5am to 11pm, Saturday and Sunday 6am to 8pm.
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Neil Ashcroft, centre director at St Johns, added: “It’s fantastic to see so many people celebrating the arrival of XF Liverpool. St Johns, always known for its mix of national and local retailers, has become more than a shopping centre.
“It is a place to meet, to eat, to relax, to be entertained, and now to train and thrive. This opening is another big step in making St Johns Liverpool’s most accessible destination for retail, lifestyle and leisure.”