First look inside PureGym at Bishop Auckland retail park

The UK’s largest gym operator is now welcoming fitness fanatics to its 11,000 sq. ft. facility at Auckland Retail & Leisure Park, near the upcoming Reel Cinema, Superbowl UK and The Range units. 

The gym - which was opened by paralympian and County Durham local Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE on Monday - features hundreds of pieces of “state of the art” equipment, a functional zone and free weights area, cardio equipment, and a fitness studio. 

PureGym has created nine jobs at the new unit, with members able to utilise “flexible, affordable fitness around the clock” with low-cost and zero-contract memberships. Those who join will have access to a huge range of classes, certified PTs, and free parking on site. 

The operator is the latest firm to move into the new retail park, following in the footsteps of Louisiana-founded chicken chain Popeyes in March, Greggs in April, and travel agent TUI in May. 

It was first announced to be opening at the complex back in late January, alongside The Range, Home Bargains, and Reel Cinemas - although the latter three stores are still yet to open. 

This will be PureGym's third location in County Durham, building on its string of North-east sites across Newcastle, Gateshead, and Sunderland.

Bosses will also soon be opening a new facility at Teesside Park's former Millennium nightclub later this year, the first in the region. 

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A spokesperson said: “Following a strong demand for PureGym’s flexible and affordable fitness offering in County Durham, we are excited to be expanding our presence and opening our third gym in the area. 

“We are delighted that Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE will join us on opening day to cut the ribbon and welcome new members to the gym where they can come to enhance their physical and mental wellbeing. 

“We can’t wait to welcome members through the doors of PureGym Bishop Auckland – sign up to our opening offer now!”