Anytime Fitness - Hackney Downs

The Hackney Downs site holds particular significance as it marked the 100th new build Anytime Fitness club completed by Concepts Group. Franchisee Stacy White engaged early in the process with our Managing Director Colin Whittingham, ultimately appointing Concepts Group to deliver the project. Working alongside MESH Architects, the team developed a tailored design to convert the space, located primarily in a basement with limited initial access, into a fully functional and compliant gym facility.

The Challenge

Several challenges emerged during the planning and build process. The most notable was the lack of adequate access to the basement, which had not been accounted for in the original building layout. The only available entry was through the rear of a small shopfront unit, posing both design and accessibility hurdles.
Additional challenges included meeting DDA accessibility requirements, developing a compliant fire strategy, and resolving acoustic issues in the free weights area of the basement. Furthermore, all mechanical design work needed to be completed and approved by the landlord in parallel with the preparation of the architectural drawings.

The Solution

To address the access issue, the team designed a bespoke staircase with multiple landings that wrapped around a new DDA-compliant platform lift, allowing user-friendly and space-efficient access to the basement. The fire strategy and access provisions were developed in close coordination with building control inspectors to ensure full compliance with building regulations.
For the acoustic challenge, the original insulated raised floor was removed and replaced with a cost-effective acoustic flooring system in consultation with the appointed acoustician, ensuring both performance and compliance in the free weights zone. Simultaneously, the mechanical design was completed and submitted for landlord approval, keeping the project on track.

As this was our first gym project, we were completely new to the process. From the outset, Colin and the Concepts Group team gave us confidence - particularly during pre-construction, where they helped shape our ideas and bring the vision to life. That early support made the decision to appoint them as our principal contractor an easy one.

The team they assembled was excellent. Naturally, challenges came up along the way, but we were always kept informed and presented with clear solutions. Thanks to that proactive approach, the project was delivered on time and on budget, with no costly surprises.

In a business like ours, the construction phase doesn’t happen in isolation - presale activities run alongside the build. That means delivering on time and on budget isn’t just a ‘nice to have,’ it’s critical. Marketing, promotions, and early member sign-ups are all happening while the gym is being built. Any delay not only costs money but also risks credibility with future members. Having a partner like Concepts Group, who understood that and delivered so reliably, gave us the freedom to focus on growing the business.

The finished result speaks for itself. The gym looks fantastic, and the feedback we’ve received has been overwhelmingly positive.

Stacy White | Barton Abbott Limited | Anytime Fitness Hackney Downs