Third Space has signed a deal to open a club at The Whiteley, the iconic West London landmark which is undergoing a £1bn transformation into a mixed-use development.

The luxury fitness operator will take 34,000sq ft of space across three floors within The Whiteley, directly accessed via Porchester Gardens in Bayswater.

Third Space currently operates 10 clubs across London and is rolling out its high-end brand following investment from KSL in 2021.

At the time, Third Space CEO, Colin Waggett explained one part of the company's growth strategy to HCM, saying: "Landlords who are undertaking major redevelopment projects recognise that for both residential and office developments, fitness is the new anchor tenant and if it’s a premium development, then Third Space is top of their list.

"Now’s the time to capitalise on this opportunity."

Further details of Third Space at The Whiteley, including the opening date, will be confirmed later this year.

The Whiteley building is the site of former department store Whiteleys, which takes its name from entrepreneur, William Whiteley, who opened his first drapery shop in London in 1863.

A decade later, the shop had grown to a department store described as “an immense symposium of the arts and industries of the nation and of the world”.

In the 1980s, Whiteleys was then redeveloped into a shopping center with a cinema and tenpin bowling.

It closed its doors in December 2018 as its popularity diminished.

The redevelopment of the property is headed by a Meyer Bergman-advised fund, with residential real estate developer Finchatton as development manager.

In collaboration with architects Foster + Partners, renowned for its eco credentials and responsible design approach, the historic landmark will become a "sensitively restored mixed-use development" with 139 residences, which are being marketed by Savills and Knight Frank for between £1,680,000 and £8,950,000 and 14 Six Senses Residences that homeowners can place into the Six Senses Hotel inventory for up to 90 days a year.

Third Space is the latest operator to occupy a space at the development.

Others include luxury hotel, resort and spa operator, Six Senses, which will open its first UK site at The Whiteley.

Six Senses will operate a hotel, Six Senses Place wellness club and spa with 110 guest rooms and suites.

Alex Michelin, co-founder of Finchatton, said: “We're thrilled to embark on this collaboration with Third Space, a brand that prides itself on delivering the highest standards and creating health clubs with an unmatched individuality in style.

"Its commitment to excellence aligns seamlessly with The Whiteley’s dedication to providing a wellbeing offering that is unrivalled anywhere in the world.

"We're confident Third Space’s presence will play a significant role in re-energising Queensway’s reputation as a compelling central axis for people with a discerning global mindset.”

Read our interview with Six Senses CEO, Neil Jacobs here.

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