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.”