Where the facility sits.
WHY IT DETERMINES VIABILITY
Fitness businesses draw from a limited radius.
WHAT TO ASSESS
Population within a realistic distance Who they are What competes nearby Access and parking Visibility Safety, particularly for early and late attendance
WHY SAFETY OF ACCESS MATTERS
Attendance concentrates early and late, and members will not come to somewhere they feel unsafe.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT THE PREMISES
Floor area and layout Ceiling height Floor loading capacity Ventilation Power capacity Water and sanitation Changing facilities
WHY FLOOR LOADING MATTERS
Weight equipment imposes substantial loads, and upper floors are frequently unsuitable.
WHAT TO VERIFY
Structural adequacy, with professional input.
WHY VENTILATION MATTERS
Exercise spaces become unbearable without it, and members leave.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT POWER
Total load including air conditioning and equipment What happens during interruption
WHY
A gym without lighting, ventilation or cooling cannot operate.
WHAT TO ESTABLISH ABOUT THE LEASE
Term sufficient to recover fit-out What alterations are permitted Whether the use is permitted Noise restrictions
WHY NOISE
Weights and music generate complaints from neighbours and occupants above and below.
WHAT TO CALCULATE
Rent as a proportion of achievable revenue.
WHAT TO BE CONSERVATIVE ABOUT
Membership projections.
