Wear Business Wear Business Issue 1 | Page 22

All set for a fit-out - Anthony Bailes outside the new gym unit at Mandale Business Park, near Durham. A GYM THAT FITS THE BILL A new state-of-the-art gym is set to continue the impressive expansion of a business park on the outskirts of Durham. The owners of Ultraflex 100% or Nothing believe their premises on Mandale Business Park on the thriving Belmont Industrial Estate is the perfect location for fitness fanatics and beginners alike. Commercial property experts Mandale have leased the 12,000 sq ft space to fitness business entrepreneurs Charles Mardon and Anthony Bailes with premises that once formed part of an LG Philips television manufacturing site. Both former professional bodybuilders, the pair are now carrying out a high-end fit-out of Kent House – including the installation of a 4,000 sq ft mezzanine floor - to create a gym to open in time for February 2020. When it opens, the gym will feature facilities for weightlifting, powerlifting, bodybuilding, circuit training, functional fitness and a variety of fitness classes. Anthony, who also owns the Maxx Muscle gym in Hetton-le-Hole, reveals the unit will also feature a welcoming reception, impressive changing rooms, a physiotherapy treatment centre, barber shop and kitchen offering a variety of healthy food. “There’s going to be something in there for everybody, whether you’re a bodybuilder, fitness enthusiast or just someone who wants 22 Mandale Business Park set to welcome new fitness centre to keep fit,” he says. “Even if you just want a haircut or a bite to eat, this will be the place for you.” Charles, who has opened gyms in Leeds, York, Hull, Normanton and Rotherham over the past two years, has plans to expand to 50 across the country over the next decade. But he is excited about working with Anthony to produce a five-star gym for the Durham area. “We are spending a fortune on the equipment and fit-out to put it on a par with the top health clubs but on a budget that makes it accessible to everyone,” says Charles. “Despite this being my sixth gym, I am still excited because each of them has its own individual character. “This one will be special because it will feature a combination of really modern, specialist equipment and some classic, old- school equipment that you just don’t see anymore. “Too often people have the choice between a high-end and expensive health club, a low quality budget option or a spit and sawdust- style gym, and not much in between. We fill that gap, providing a facility that’s ideal for everyone from beginners to advanced professionals. Both men believe Mandale Park is the perfect place for a successful gym. “Location is always key with a gym and, being just on the outskirts, away from the The high-end gym will be open in February 2020. hustle and bustle of the city centre, Mandale Park is perfect,” says Anthony, a former Mr World and IFBB professional bodybuilder. “The size of the building is perfect, parking is great and we’re within easy access of the motorway.” Charles, a three-times International IFBB Classic bodybuilding champion, agrees: “Durham is a great location and we think the business park is a great site. “The unit itself is perfect for us because it’s been stripped back to the steel framework that once formed the LG Philips factory. It’s a blank canvas for us to create our vision for the perfect gym facilities. “We feel our passion for the fitness industry will shine through. We’re not involved with this on a purely commercial basis – we are committed to producing something we are proud to put our names to.” “This is our passion,” adds Anthony. “We’re determined to make sure everyone knows that when they come to the gym.”