Set back for South Shields gym re-opening

The Gym Group has taken over the former Lifestyle centre in Crossgate, South Shields, and had hoped to open its doors to the new-look gym to members this Spring.

However, in an email sent to members, it said the re-opening of the two-storey building has been delayed until June due to the discovery for some structural issues with the building.

Apologising for the delay and thanking members for their patience, it went on to say: ‘Ensuring our members stay safe while they’re working out is our number one priority, so we’re working hard with the landlord to resolve the issues as quickly as possible so that we can continue with the refurbishment work’.

Updates are set to be relayed to members via email in the coming weeks with people being told that they can continue to use its Newcastle East and Newcastle City Centre gyms.

The gym group is the country’s second largest operator in the low-cost gym market.

The Gym Group plans to turn the South Shields outlet in a round-the-clock operation by installing new entry pods accessible only through a personalised pin number. Other changes include the removal of the sauna, café and ladies’ only area, with free weights and functional training areas being expanded.

The Gym Group opened 19 new sites in 2015 and 15 last year, and in Newcastle operates three gyms in the city centre, Gosforth, and Benton.

No one from The Gym Group could be contacted for comment.