Third Space reveals new suburban model with Wimbledon opening | Sports Management

KSL-owned Third Space has unveiled its latest club in Wimbledon, south-west London.

The development marks the first of many forays into residential locations for the operator, following the recent securing of a loan facility of £88.5m.

This is the ninth club from the premium fitness operator which has four further openings slated for residential areas of London in the next two years: Battersea, Clapham Junction and Wood Wharf in 2024 and The Whiteley, Bayswater in 2025.

Although the offering varies, including various elements, such as medical centres, climbing walls and altitude chambers – depending on the location – all clubs offer state-of-the-art fitness facilities in a luxurious setting.

Wimbledon has three Mind & Body studios, a signature HIIT studio and a cycling studio with a Wattbike Zone.

Also featured are a cross-functional training area called The Yard, with a sled track, Eleiko-equipped strength area, Ski-ergs, rowing machines, barbells and assault bikes.

Wet facilities at the 47,000sq ft club include a four-lane 25m pool, bespoke heated loungers, plunge pool, hot and dry traditional Finnish sauna and a hot and wet Loyly sauna, streamroom and drench showers. Third Space managing director, John Penny, says: “this is full throttle recovery and rejuvenation which everyone needs in their life.”

Reformer Pilates has also been included in response to members seeking lower-impact training. Penny told HCM this will also be rolled out at other locations, as Reformer Pilates grows in popularity.

Natural Fitness Food will be available on-site to both members and non-members, with menus curated to cater to varying lifestyle and dietary preferences.

The club was designed by Tonik Associates with gradient lighting and surround sound to create immersive training spaces and touches of iconic green throughout, referencing the Wimbledon tennis tournament.

CEO, Colin Waggett, says the club marks a key moment as the company branches out into new areas of London. “As with every Third Space club, no detail has been spared,” he says. “And in addition, Wimbledon’s world-class spa makes it a unique luxury offering”.

The opening of Third Space Wimbledon has come about as the company responds to changing work patterns caused by the pandemic which have seen many city workers settling into a Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday commute, working Friday and Monday at home.

Wimbledon is known as being an affluent commuter suburb, with a large number of Third Space members who can now enjoy the brand’s offering during both their commuting and home-working days.

Membership packages reflect this new reality, with rates priced at £210/month for Wimbledon alone and £245/month for a ‘group membership’, which allows use of the City, Canary Wharf, Tower Bridge, Soho, Marylebone, Moorgate, Islington and Wimbledon clubs, but does not include Mayfair.

Third Space Mayfair membership is £280/month and includes all other locations.

The opening has prompted a flurry of investment from other operators in the area as they upgrade to compete, notably Virgin Active, which recently revealed a refreshed Wimbledon location with a new pool and spa.

Virgin Active Wimbledon is set at £144/month and no joining fee for a 12-month contract and £158/month and £30 joining fee for a rolling monthly commitment. It has a range of pricing, including £82/month for 16-17-year-olds rolling, annual off-peak £109 and annual the 65+ age group at, £112/month.