Tunstall gym will go ahead after rescue deal

A STATE-OF-THE-ART health and sports centre is on target to open later this year after a fitness venture stepped in to replace a struggling gym chain.

The JJB Sports health and fitness centre, part of Tunstall's Jasper Square development, is one of 53 gyms which have been bought by DW Sports Fitness as part of an £83.4 million deal.

Dave Whelan, the owner of Wigan Athletic and the founder of JJB, has now secured the acquisition of the troubled company's nationwide chain of fitness clubs – with Tunstall's being the first centre due to be fitted out under the brand.

It is hoped the deal will ensure the long-term future of JJB Sports, which has gone into a voluntary arrangement with its creditors to avoid the possibility of administration.

The 45,000 sq ft centre in Scotia Road is part of the third phase of development at Jasper Square, which has already seen new Carphone Warehouse, Next, Argos and Matalan stores being built on the former Wedgwood Alexandra Pottery site.

Spread over two levels, it will have a gym on the lower ground floor with a sports store at car park level.

DW Sports Fitness is now planning how best to utilise the space at the £8 million development.

With a three-month fitting-out period, the new centre will open later this year, and a projected opening date is expected within the next few weeks.

The air conditioned gym will be equipped with cutting-edge fitness equipment, as well as a swimming pool, spas, and group exercise areas.

Developer Dransfield Properties has also funded a piece of art called The Shard, which is designed to inspire energy and creativity, and was unveiled at the beginning of the year.

Retail property developer at Dransfield, Andrew Malley, said: "JJB's troubles have been well highlighted in the press, so this is good news.

"As part of the voluntary arrangement, the creditors could have asked for the keys back, but fortunately that didn't happen.

"The fact that DW has stepped in is a vote of confidence in the development. They came down to see the finished building and they were very enthusiastic.

"It will be the first newly-branded and fitted-out DW centre in the country. I met them on Thursday and they expect to be open in four or five months."

Brendan Fern, chairman of Tunstall Chamber of Trade, said: "This is obviously better than an empty building.

"Jobs are being created and hopefully the sports centre will encourage people into the town a little bit more.

"We have to try to work with the new developments going on in Tunstall, but hopefully people will not forget the rest of the area.

"It's nice to hear the gym will open as planned, especially in this economic climate."