Gym jumps to the beat in new city centre home

A UK gym group is bringing has signed a 20-year lease for one of the country’s largest city centre shopping arcades.

Gym operating group XtraFit has announced that it will be move its XF Gym brand into a 37,000sq ft unit at Manchester Arndale.

The growing gym brand will be located on Market Street and will bring its high-quality fitness experience to Manchester city centre.

With locations in Liverpool and Dudley, XF Gym offers a range of activities and events for its members including Hyrox, run clubs, as well as a host of classes 24/7, the latest hi-tech equipment and massage and tanning facilities.

Laurence Benson, XF Gyms chief executive, said: “We are proud to bring XF to Manchester — a city that’s bold and vibrant. Ambition and grit are part of everyday life here, making it the perfect home for XF.

“At XF, we live by five core values: Dedication, Ambition, Tenacity, Pride and Enjoyment. Today, it’s Tenacity that takes the spotlight. 

“This deal has been six years in the making, and we owe special thanks to Scott at M&G and Graeme at Sovereign Centros for their relentless drive in getting it across the line.

“Manchester doesn’t do average — and neither do we. 

“This club will be a statement of what fitness should feel like: loud, energetic, unapologetic, and built for people who demand more. 

“In a crowded market of ordinary gyms, XF stands apart by delivering an experience powered by community energy. 

“We’re not here to blend in. We’re here to raise the bar. 

“And this is just the beginning – as we continue our expansion into 2026 and beyond.”

And Scott Linard, portfolio director for M&G Real Estate, added: “A strong leisure mix has become the backbone for successful retail destinations, so we are delighted to introduce XF Gym to Manchester Arndale. 

“With a bustling city centre population, XF Gym are in the perfect location to serve Mancunian fitness needs.

“The continued evolution of Manchester Arndale has allowed it to become one of the North West’s most visited destinations, thanks to our best-in-class retail, F&B and leisure mix. 

“This continued strong footfall means that we are the first port of call for brands wanting to come to Manchester.”

Manchester Arndale’s expanding leisure offering has helped make it one of the North West’s most visited destinations, and XF Gym’s opening is set to draw in even more visitors from across the region.

The pair said the arrival of XF Gym continues Manchester Arndale’s evolution into a destination which is more than just retail and in addition to hosting leading international brands.

With more than 200 shops and restaurants, Manchester Arndale welcomes more than 46 million visitors on average every year and in recent years has grown its leisure offering thanks to the arrivals of King Pins and Urban Playground.

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