Hatton Snr to open Merseyway gym

THE father of former world boxing champion Ricky Hatton is to launch the first of a proposed chain of affordable gyms at Merseyway in Stockport.

Ray Hatton has taken a unit of almost 12,000 sq ft at Merseyway for the first of his new Metro Fitness outlets, which he is positioning as a ‘premium budget’ chain, with membership at £10.99 a month of a special pre-opening rate.

Mr Hatton said: “We’re all looking forward to the grand opening and very much believe that our affordable fitness offering will not only generate business for us but also attract more people to Merseyway.

“We’re committed to helping both the management of Merseyway and Stockport Borough Council to develop new strategies and initiatives to attract new visitors and to provide facilities that people want to use.”

The unit is set to open in June, which will leave just four out of the 104 units at Merseyway unoccupied.

The centre has been managed by GVA since it was appointed as Law of Property Act receivers by its bank, Bradford & Bingley, in February 2009.

Mark Rawstron, senior director at GVA and managing agent for Merseyway, said: “We’re delighted to announce the arrival of Metro Fitness as Merseyway’s first health club.

“We wish Mr Hatton all the best and if the club generates significant additional footfall, we may consider extending retail trading hours to cater for any increase in potential customers.”

Savills and Tushingham Moore are joint letting agents for Merseyway.