A WOKINGHAM town centre gym has closed, and its owners have confirmed it will not reopen.
In 2015, Anytime Fitness took over the former Blockbuster Video premises in Peach Street. It was open 24 hours a day and operated as a franchise.
But it shut its doors earlier this week.
In an email sent to its members on Thursday, June 15, a copy of which has been seen by Wokingham Today, the company said: “We appreciate that this is hugely disappointing news and would like to sincerely apologise for the conflicting communication you have received from the business owner regarding a temporary closure for refurbishment.”
The company confirmed that its locations are individually owned and operated on a franchise agreement.
It added the franchisee’s company had ceased trading.
Anytime Fitness also confirmed that no further membership payments will be collected from its users. Members enquiring about refunds are being asked to send their details to an address in Herefordshire.
Wokingham Today understands the Anytime Fitness Wokingham club was operated by Kre8tive Fitness Ltd. According to information from Companies House, two previous company directors resigned and a new one was appointed earlier this month.
The current sole director, Neville Taylor, has a registered correspondence address that belongs to a mail forwarding business.
In its latest filed company accounts for the year ending February 2021, the company reported a deficit of £213,642 based on current assets versus net liabilities.
In a statement to Wokingham Today, a spokesperson for Anytime Fitness said: “We can confirm that our franchised location in Wokingham has permanently ceased trading, with all members being informed on Thursday June 15.
“We appreciate that this is hugely disappointing news to receive, and all members have been provided details regarding any owed membership fees.”
Anytime Fitness claims to have more than 185 clubs throughout the United Kingdom, and more than 190,000 members. It has a branch in Woodley at Shepherds Hill.
Using a security access key, members can use the club at the time that suits them, with remote monitoring of surveillance systems and personal safety devices in place.
Wokingham Today has attempted to contact Mr Taylor for comment.
