Last Word
Neil Randall
Known for its club-inspired urban gyms in unusual buildings, Gymbox has made design a key part of its offer. Following the launch of the first UK club since Urban Gym Group took over the company, we speak to CEO Neil Randall about designing for fitness and wellness
Urban Gym Group has opened its first new UK gym since acquiring Gymbox in October 2024, and the 22,000sq ft site in London’s Finsbury Park is set to become the blueprint for future clubs.
The company has invested heavily in creating an innovative, recovery-focused health club with a nightclub feel. Architect and founder of AMP Patrick McKinney was responsible for the design, continuing his long-standing partnership with Gymbox that began in 2003.
The gym has a group exercise area fitted out with equipment to offer aerial classes, including yoga and trapeze, an indoor cycling studio and a reformer pilates studio, operated under the PILAT3S brand in partnership with Tribute Brands.
Gymbox gyms are known for their design, which often sees historic spaces such as old cinemas or basements repurposed. The clubs feature dramatic double-height spaces, DJ booths, industrial aesthetics, bold graphics, unique lighting, and flexible zones.
“We don’t do white walls and bland music,” says Neil Randall, CEO of Urban Gym Group.
The Finsbury Park site has a broader focus on recovery and wellness, with infrared saunas and contrast therapy. It also features social areas, red light therapy and a recovery area with hydromassage chairs, compression boots, fascia rollers and an InBody scanner.
What inspired the design of Gymbox Finsbury Park?
When designing a gym, we think from the perspective of members when zoning the club, while also tapping into the uniqueness of each building and space.
What were the biggest challenges of this project?
For this site, noise was a consideration given that it is a basement location with apartments above. There was an existing design created five years ago, and our goal was to retain certain elements from that plan while building upon it – requiring us to determine what to keep and what to change.
What difference does an inspiring workout environment make for people?
Now more than ever, a gym is an extension of the workplace and the home, and is also a social hub, so it’s vital that people enjoy spending time in our spaces.
We invest considerable effort in organising zoning, and curating lighting and music to create an environment that gives members the confidence to try new things, with innovation remaining a cornerstone of our company culture.
What are you working on now?
We’re in the final stages of negotiations for three incredible buildings in London, which we aim to bring to market in the first half of 2026, while continuing to seek additional properties. We are also upgrading existing clubs to incorporate the innovation seen at Finsbury Park.
We invest considerable effort in creating an environment that gives members the confidence to try new things
– Neil Randall
