Gyms could boost ailing North West high streets, says Colliers

Gyms could help boost the North West’s ailing high streets as the health and fitness market continues to expand, according to a new Colliers report. According to the agent’s latest research, the North West has the fourth-highest concentration of gyms in the UK, with 40 gyms per 1m households. Greater London, the South East and West Midlands had 85, 42 and 41 gyms per 1m households respectively. The report said the convenience of being able to shop and workout in a single location was driving the number of gyms opening on the high street and could help boost the North West’s struggling high streets. Ross Kirton, director at Colliers International and head of UK leisure agency: “In theory, the strength of the UK’s gym market could provide the perfect ‘white knight’ to the ailing high street retail sector. “However, landlords and occupiers alike must ensure that expansion is undertaken in a sustainable way that matches the right gym model with the right location and the right demographic to avoid oversupply.” To send feedback, e-mail lucy.alderson@egi.co.uk or tweet @LucyAJourno or @estatesgazette