Huge new Third Space fitness centre features training arena, cycling amphitheatre and kids' area
by Tom Walker | 29 Jan 2020
When designing a new space, we have a very specific vision of how we want a club to look.
– Rob Beale
– Rob Beale
Third Space's new £10m ($13m, €12m), 47,000sq ft (4,400sq m) full-service club in Islington, London, designed by Universal Design Studio, is said to be the largest health club to open in the UK's capital for more than 10 years.
At the heart of the club is a 7,000sq ft (650sq m) "arena space" for flexible training, featuring a custom-built running track, dedicated strength training area, a bespoke functional training rig and performance cardio areas with Myzone heart-rate connectivity.
The facility houses an indoor cycling amphitheatre, with unique light displays and soundtracks designed for each class, bikes organised in tiered rows to give every rider a good view and industrial turbines to create "headwinds".
Studio spaces will accommodate more than 100 group classes a week, with a hot yoga studio that is claimed to be the first in Europe to use infrared-mirrored panels for creating different temperatures.
There is also a lounge is designed for pre- or post-workout focus, while purpose-built 'Quiet Rooms' have been equipped with guided meditation for mind and body.
Wet areas include a six-lane, 20m (66ft) swimming pool, saunas and steam rooms.
As well as a premium club facilities for adults, Third Space Islington Square will incorporate the Little Space – a separate, dedicated kids’ club.
Little Space will have its own shallow training pool, sports hall, créche, dance studio, climbing area, athletic rig and restaurant. It will offer a range of exercise classes for children, as well as family play sessions and swimming lessons.
Speaking about the concept in 2018, Third Space CEO Colin Waggett said: "The Little Space is a good example of us as looking at each new market and asking: ‘What do people here really want?’
"We did 300 doorstep interviews and focus groups to make sure our concept was right.
“What we didn’t want, though, was for this to become a family club, mixing the two sides of the offering and possibly ending up with something that wasn’t the best of either world.
"This is why we’ve kept things separate: the Third Space adult experience is entirely unaffected and is still best-in-class in terms of offering a grown-up environment, and Little Space is equally free to specialise in kids’ facilities and programming.”
According to Rob Beale, fitness director for Third Space, the Islington club has its own identity – but the design is in line with the Third Space ethos of "providing the inspiration and motivation to exercise".
“When designing a new space, we have a very specific vision of how we want a club to look," says Rob Beale, Fitness Director for Third Space.
"It needs to have its own unique identity while staying in keeping with the aesthetic of the Third Space family."
Third Space Islington Little Space EXF Fitness Pulse Fitness fitness gym Colin Waggett
The club will incorporate the first Little Space – a separate, dedicated kids’ club
Credit: Third Space
Credit: Pulse Fitness
Credit: Third Space
Credit: Third Space
14 Jan 2020
Digme Fitness acquires premium operator Another Space
29 May 2019
Revenues up at Third Space – plans to double the size of portfolio in five years
FEATURE: Interview – Colin Waggett
Third Space 's new £10m ($13m, €12m), 47,000sq ft (4,400sq m) full-service club in Islington, London, designed by Universal Design Studio, is said to be the largest health club to open in the UK's capital for more than 10 years. At the heart of the club is a 7,000sq ft (650sq m) "arena space" for flexible training, featuring a custom-built running track, dedicated strength training area, a bespoke functional training
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