The Gym Group takes Arding & Hobbs space for new HQ
W.RE has welcomed The Gym Group, a leading low-cost gym operator of 250 gyms across the UK, to the Arding & Hobbs building in Clapham Junction, taking 15,700 sq ft. Occupying over half of the second floor, The Gym Group’s new HQ is home to around 200 gym support staff.
Located next to Clapham Junction Station, The Gym Group’s new HQ benefits from outstanding connectivity with only an 8-minute train journey from both Victoria and Waterloo Stations. With the lease expiring at their office in Croydon, The Gym Group wanted a new space in a location with great transport links, and a design and layout that could support its growth ambitions and attract great talent, as well as reflect its energetic brand. Oktra, a leading office design studio, designed a space tailored for its dynamic workforce.
The newly restored Arding & Hobbs building, once a historic department store, offered the ideal backdrop: a blend of original exposed brick and industrial features with bold, modern interiors. In a remarkable transformation, W.RE together with architects Stiff + Trevillion has reinvented the iconic Arding & Hobbs building, a Grade II listed, Edwardian Baroque department store originally built in 1910, into a dynamic space for work, retail, and leisure. Located prominently at the heart of Clapham Junction, this historic structure has served the community for over a century, most recently as a Debenhams until its closure in 2021.
The comprehensive restoration included the preservation of key architectural features alongside the addition of a landscaped roof terrace with panoramic views of London. Now fully revitalised, the building has breathed new life into the surrounding streets, enhancing the local area and becoming an economic driver for Clapham Junction.
Today, Arding & Hobbs houses creative workspaces for around 1,000 professionals on its upper floors, while approximately 30% of the space is dedicated to retail and leisure on the basement, ground, and first floors. Tenants include the Italian delicatessen Prezzemolo & Vitale, Botanica Hall with a coal-fired pizza oven and vodka distillery, and a range of other popular retail and dining options.
Earlier this year, flexible workspace operator x+why, in partnership with W.RE, launched Arding Rooms — a premium members’ club accessible to all x+why tenants and external members. The space hosts a curated programme of business and networking events and features an ethically sourced, seasonal menu available throughout the day, with catering for meetings and private functions. Designed to a high specification, the meeting and event spaces can accommodate up to 200 guests and are available for hire by members, local businesses, and the wider community.
Abbie Scudamore, Lead Acquisitions Manager at The Gym Group said: “We sought a great new HQ space that would help our teams to deliver on our Next Chapter growth strategy, and our ambition to bring high value, low cost gyms to as many people as possible. The Battersea location’s connectivity is excellent for our teams to access, and feedback from staff on the design, layout and neighbourhood amenities since moving in has been very positive.”
Sascha Lewin, CEO of W.RE, commented: “We’re thrilled to have The Gym Group on board at Arding & Hobbs, with a household name now calling this Battersea landmark home. The strong connectivity across London and the abundance of local amenities make this an ideal spot to locate to. With Clapham Junction’s unmatched access and the building’s unique blend of heritage and modern appeal, we’re confident this partnership will bring even more energy to Battersea’s thriving community.”
W.RE was represented by Kontor and CBRE, with Savills representing The Gym Group.
Photo credit: Oktra
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