A Bracknell gym that was at risk of closure is in negotiations to stay open.
There were fears that the Bodyzone Heavyweights, Fitness & Health Gym would have to close or relocate as its lease was due to expire in January this year.
Bodyzone, located in the Bracknell Leisure Centre, is run by its owner Sid Bourne, who has hosted Will Smith and strongman Eddie Hall in the gym in recent years.
Mr Bourne stated that Bodyzone was granted a lease extension to 2028 by the council’s Assistant Director of Contracts in 2020.
READ MORE: Bracknell gym owner fears he may have to close business
But Mr Bourne received news last year that a ‘policy change’ meant that he would have to arrange a lease with the Bracknell Forest Council’s leisure contractors Everyone Active instead.
As the existing lease was due to expire, Mr Bourne feared he would either have to close or relocate.
However, the gym has remained open after Mr Bourne filed an official complaint to Bracknell Forest Council.
Mr Bourne said: “The good news is the council upheld our complaint regarding their controversial withdrawal of a lease extension to 2028, originally granted in 2020.
“We are currently at Stage 3 of the Complaints process and still in negotiation with the CEO at Bracknell Forest Council about the continuation of our Lease.
“We are hopeful that a fair compromise will be reached and in favour of Bodyzone Gym and its future at Bracknell Leisure Centre and in the local community.”
In the meantime, the gym is continuing to trade and is still welcoming new members.
Mr Bourne added: “Bodyzone remains strong as it always has for the past 20 years. It’s members and reputation keep it that way.
“People of the community need Bodyzone for all sorts of reasons, fitness, a healing place for mental or physical health issues or just a place to be in a friendly family environment.
“I will do everything I can to secure Bodyzone’s future for these people.”
Bracknell Forest Council is not able comment on this matter while the complaints process is ongoing.
Bracknell Leisure Centre is owned by the council and operated by its leisure contractor Everyone Active.
Everyone Active runs its own gym within the leisure centre, which is more tailored towards fitness and cardio workouts.
Last December, a spokesperson for the company said: “Everyone Active does not currently hold the licence to underlet the unit used by Bodyzone.
“Everyone Active is aware of ongoing discussions between Mr Bourne and our partners, Bracknell Forest Council.
“As such, we are not in a position to comment further at this time.”
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Another spokesperson for Everyone Active said nothing has changed since December.
The case remains in the council’s complaints process and Everyone Active is not involved in the discussions.
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