New Chichester jobs created as gym group takes over old Lidl store

Chichester’s Lidl is set to be converted to a 24-hour gym, creating more than a dozen jobs.
By Sam Morton
Published 6th Aug 2020, 10:01 GMT
Updated 6th Aug 2020, 10:08 GMT
The gym will replace the former Lidl supermarket in Portfield Way. Photo: Kate Shemilt ks190443-2 SUS-190730-214535008The gym will replace the former Lidl supermarket in Portfield Way. Photo: Kate Shemilt ks190443-2 SUS-190730-214535008
The gym will replace the former Lidl supermarket in Portfield Way. Photo: Kate Shemilt ks190443-2 SUS-190730-214535008

The Gym Group announced this week that is has acquired a 15-year lease on the former supermarket unit in Portfield Way.

The discount food retailer moved to a new store around the corner in Westhampnett Road, as part of phase two of the Barnfield Drive development. Read more here

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Oliver Tester, head of property acquisitions at The Gym, said a ‘flexible and affordable’ gym will bring ‘no contact health and fitness to the city’.

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The Gym Group has more than 180 gyms in the UK, with branches across Sussex, including in; Crawley, Horsham, Worthing (pictured), Brighton, Hove and Eastbourne. SUS-200608-100328001The Gym Group has more than 180 gyms in the UK, with branches across Sussex, including in; Crawley, Horsham, Worthing (pictured), Brighton, Hove and Eastbourne. SUS-200608-100328001
The Gym Group has more than 180 gyms in the UK, with branches across Sussex, including in; Crawley, Horsham, Worthing (pictured), Brighton, Hove and Eastbourne. SUS-200608-100328001

It is thought that it will create between 14 and 16 jobs.

Mr Tester said: “We will be making a large investment into the property and creating employment. It will create a large number of jobs for the local area.

“We intend to invest a significant sum of money to enhance the site, which is 13,300 square foot. There will be quite a large fit out process.”

The Gym Group has more than 180 gyms in the UK, with branches across Sussex, including in; Crawley, Horsham, Worthing, Brighton, Hove and Eastbourne.

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“We had to close our business for several months,” Mr Tester said. “Everywhere is now open except from in Leicester and Scotland.

“Hours have been reduced in the current climate. Membership is £15.99 per calendar month.

“We cannot wait to open in Chichester, in a redundant property.

“We are offering a very affordable product for members.

“It’s exciting times.”

There are hopes that the gym will be ready to open by the start of 2021 but an official opening date is yet to be confirmed.

Visit The Gym’s website here

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Related topics:Lidl