Brighton’s Fitness Frist Gym to Close Abruptly, Leaving Members and Staff in Shock
Brighton’s bustling city centre is set to lose one of its most beloved fitness hubs as Fitness First in Queen’s Road prepares to shut its doors permanently tomorrow, Tuesday, 28 January. The sudden closure comes after days of speculation among members and staff, with the company citing “circumstances beyond our control” as the reason for the decision.
In an email sent to members shortly after Brighton and Hove News reached out for comment, the gym expressed its regret over the closure. “Despite our best efforts to work with the landlord to keep the club open, we regret to inform you that Fitness First Brighton will permanently close its doors on Tuesday 28 January,” the email stated.
the closure marks the end of an era for a gym that has been a cornerstone of the local community for over a decade.“Over the years, Fitness First Brighton has been a hub for health, wellness, and community,” the email continued, acknowledging the loyalty and support of its members.
The Impact on Members and Staff
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For many members, the closure is more than just the loss of a gym—it’s the dismantling of a tight-knit community. One long-time member shared, “It’s a really popular city centre gym, with a committed, local membership. There’s a great community atmosphere and it is attended by all sorts of different people, all of whom feel at home there.”
The gym’s extensive class offerings and welcoming surroundings have made it a unique space in Brighton’s fitness landscape. “We have friendships, and the extensive class offer isn’t available elsewhere in the city centre,” another member lamented.
Staff, too, are facing uncertainty. “The staff are in limbo waiting for the formal notice. They’ve been told it’s imminent and then the gym will close a few days later,” a member revealed.
The Role of the Landlord
The closure appears to stem from a dispute between the gym’s owners and the landlord. “We’ve just learned that the owners and the landlord have been unable to agree on renewing the lease,” a member explained. The gym is located in International House,a building next to Brighton railway station. The freehold was purchased for £11.2 million by the Charities Property Fund (CPF) from Aviva eight years ago.
“It is so disappointing that what seems to be greed over rent has caused this shock closure,” the member added.
What Happens Next?
Fitness First has outlined the next steps for its members:
- Monthly membership fees: Eligible refunds will be processed automatically within two to three weeks.
- Upfront paid memberships: Members can contact Membership Services for a partial refund for the period beyond 28 January.
- Personal belongings: Members must collect their items by 8pm on Tuesday, 28 January.
“Please accept our sincere apologies for the inevitable inconvenience this closure will cause,” the email concluded.
A Blow to Brighton’s Fitness Community
The closure of Fitness First is a significant loss for Brighton, particularly at a time when the importance of physical and mental health is increasingly emphasized. “At a time when medical professionals are promoting the benefits of exercise for both physical fitness and mental wellbeing, especially in the wake of a failing NHS, this could have a significantly detrimental effect on our gym community,” one member noted.
Many members are reluctant to transition to budget gyms, which they feel lack the community spirit and ethos that Fitness First embodied. “Members do not want to have to join a faceless budget gym which is not in keeping with the Brighton ethos,” another member said.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Closure Date | Tuesday, 28 January |
| Reason for closure | Dispute with landlord over lease renewal |
| Membership Refunds | Automatic for monthly members; partial refunds for upfront paid memberships |
| Personal Belongings | Must be collected by 8pm on 28 January |
| Building Ownership | Charities Property Fund (CPF) |
moving Forward
As the Brighton community grapples with this unexpected loss, the focus now shifts to finding alternative spaces that can replicate the sense of belonging and wellness that fitness First provided. For those affected, the gym’s Membership Services team remains available to address any concerns during this transition.
“Thank you for being an invaluable part of the Fitness First Brighton community,” the email concluded. “We wish you continued success on your fitness journey and good health in the future.”
For more updates on local news and community events, visit Brighton and Hove News.
The Closure of Fitness First Brighton: A Community Reflects
Editor: Fitness First Brighton, a beloved gym in the heart of Brighton, is set to close its doors permanently tomorrow, Tuesday, 28 January. Can you tell us more about the circumstances leading to this decision?
Guest: It’s a sad day for the community. The gym cited “circumstances beyond our control” as the reason for the closure. Despite efforts to negotiate with the landlord,they were unable to reach an agreement on the lease renewal. This has lead to the abrupt shutdown of a facility that has been a cornerstone of the local community for over a decade. [[1]]
Editor: what has been the reaction from the members and staff?
Guest: The impact has been profound. For many members, Fitness First was more than just a gym—it was a tight-knit community. One long-time member described it as a popular city center gym with a committed local membership. The welcoming atmosphere and extensive class offerings made it a unique space in Brighton’s fitness landscape. Staff, on the other hand, are facing uncertainty, with many still waiting for formal notice about their futures. [[2]]
Editor: What role did the landlord play in this closure?
Guest: The closure seems to stem from a dispute between the gym’s owners and the landlord. The gym is located in International House, a building next to Brighton railway station, which was purchased by the Charities Property Fund (CPF) from Aviva eight years ago. Members have expressed disappointment, with one stating that greed over rent appears to be the cause of this shocking closure.[[3]]
Editor: What steps are being taken to support the members through this transition?
Guest: Fitness First has outlined a clear plan for its members. Monthly membership fees will be refunded automatically within two to three weeks, and those with upfront paid memberships can contact Membership Services for a partial refund.Additionally, members must collect their personal belongings by 8pm on 28 January. The gym has expressed sincere apologies for the inconvenience caused.
Editor: How does this closure affect Brighton’s fitness community?
Guest: The closure is a significant loss for Brighton,especially at a time when physical and mental health are increasingly emphasized.Many members are reluctant to transition to budget gyms, which they feel lack the community spirit and ethos that Fitness First embodied. As the community grapples with this unexpected loss, the focus now shifts to finding alternative spaces that can replicate the sense of belonging and wellness that Fitness First provided.
Key Facts at a Glance
| aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Closure Date | Tuesday, 28 January |
| Reason for closure | Dispute with landlord over lease renewal |
| membership Refunds | Automatic for monthly members; partial refunds for upfront paid memberships |
| Personal Belongings | Must be collected by 8pm on 28 January |
| Building Ownership | Charities Property Fund (CPF) |
Conclusion
the closure of Fitness First Brighton marks the end of an era for a gym that has been a hub for health, wellness, and community. As members and staff navigate this transition, the focus remains on finding new spaces that can uphold the spirit of belonging and wellness that Fitness First provided.For more updates on local news and community events, visit brighton and Hove News.