Psychological wellbeing is closely linked to environmental factors such as light, colours and a relaxing atmosphere
– Phil Waind, WG+P director

A new pay-as-you-go lifestyle gym for boutique operator Core Collective looks set to be built in London’s St John’s Wood, with Westminster City Council giving the project the go ahead.

Waind Gohil + Potter Architects (WG+P), who specialise in wellbeing and leisure design, have created the concept – described as “a relaxed, luxury environment and where people want to hangout, not just workout.”

The gym will feature contemporary design features, a highly flexible layout and adjustable exercise spaces. A cafe and health-focused bar will be added to make it a sociable and inclusive environment.

“This is an exciting and challenging project for the practice because it pushes the boundaries of gym design yet also integrates physical and mental wellbeing,” said WG+P director Phil Waind.

“Psychological wellbeing is closely linked to environmental factors such as light, colours and a relaxing atmosphere, a key principle for us when designing the Core Collective fitness environments.”

This is the second property for Core Collective. The company’s health club in Kensington – also designed by WG+P – was the first dedicated pay-as-you-go gym in London for a range of groups. Its instructor-led sessions include TRX, High Intensity Interval Training, Power Yoga and Spinning.

For the St John’s Wood site, a crowdfunding campaign was launched to build the gym, with £2m raised.

“We want to take the DNA that’s worked so successfully in the first site and create something unique to the area of St John’s Wood, whilst being instantly recognisable as Core Collective,” explained founder Jason de Savary. “We won't be stagnating.”

WG+P Architects creates bespoke London gym for Core Collective