New gym to take over former Wilko store in Liverpool’s St Johns Shopping Centre
A fitness group has taken over the former Wilko store space in Liverpool’s St Johns Shopping Centre.
XF Gym will open a 30,000 sq ft fitness and wellbeing facility after signing a lease with shopping centre owner, RivingtonHark.
The new facility will feature an expansive open-plan workout zone, a women-only space, as well as a wide variety of fitness classes in its group exercise studios, including yoga, high intensity interval training (HIIT), boxing, dance, and cycling, along with luxury changing facilities.
Averaging one million visitors per month, St Johns is home to a variety of popular brands, including JD Sports, Aldi, Liverpool FC Store, Sainsbury’s, Home Bargains, Argos and Matalan, as well as a selection of food and beverage, and independent retailers.
St Johns Shopping Centre
Work will begin immediately to create the new facility, which is set to open in the autumn of 2025.
Laurence Benson, CEO at XF Gyms, said: “XF Gym is thrilled to bring its unique fitness experience to the heart of Liverpool – a city built on ambition, resilience, and unbreakable community spirit, values that define XF Gym.
“St Johns Shopping Centre is the perfect home for our expansion. With its central location and excellent transport connections, we’re making world class training facilities, market leading wellness spaces, and a supportive community more accessible than ever.”
He added: “XF Gym isn’t just a place to train – we are a movement. And we can’t wait to help every member thrive.”
Neil Ashcroft, centre director at St Johns Shopping Centre, said: “With an unbeatable location, over one million visitors per month and a broad mix of retailers and leisure offerings, St Johns Shopping Centre is the perfect home for growing, innovative businesses like XF Gym.
“We share their sense of community, and I am sure Liverpool’s residents, shoppers and workers will love the new gym experience they offer.”
Mark Harvey, executive director at RivingtonHark, said: “This will be a fantastic addition to St Johns Shopping Centre and further enhance the offer available to our visitors.”
