Trampolining firm takes big jump forward
THREE trampoline centres will open in the region after a deal was struck between amabitious operator Oxygen Freejumping and soccer pitches operator Lucozade Powerleague.
London-based Oxygen, which is backed by a number of leading fitness cenrtre entrepreneurs, says the deal will make it the largest trampoline operator in the country.
The five locations, including Trafford Park near Manchester, Wigan and Blackburn, will add 162,000 sq ft of space to the company.
Oxygen, which opened its firms sites in West Acton (London) and Southampton in 2015, says it is looking to close a significant funding round in the next few weeks in order to support further growth to around 15 sites this year.
The former five Lucozade Powerleague sites will be operational by the end of the summer. All have been acquired through sub-divisions of the Soccer Domes and will sit alongside Lucozade Power League’s current offer.
David Stalker, chief executive of Oxygen Freejumping said: “We have two further sites in solicitors’ hands and are looking for 18-50,000 sq ft in key locations throughout the market. Our health and safety record is exceptional and we are the premium operator in the market.
“The five Powerleague sites provide us with greater scope to expand the brand and to bring our blend of freejumping, running, fitness and fun to five new areas of the country. We work with schools, gymnastics clubs and with James Bond villain and freerunning pioneer Sébastien Foucan.
“However our parks are truly for everyone. Freejumping is easier to do but impossible to master and it always brings a smile to your face no matter how old you are.”
The Oxygen Freejumping team includes: Fred Turok, former chief executive and chair of LA Fitness; David Stalker, former CEO ukactive; and Stephen Philpot, former CEO Places for People and MD of David Lloyd. Between them they have opened 400 UK fitness and leisure clubs.
Rob Howarth of property firm JLL, who acted for Oxygen, said: “The sector is extremely competitive as trampolining grows in popularity. Competition for sites is similar to the early growth of the budget health and fitness market circa five years ago. But just as we saw back then, one or two operators are emerging streaks ahead of the pack and will gain the biggest share of the market.”
“West Acton and Southampton are trading exceptionally well and we are looking for units with 6m high eaves within retail and leisure parks or roadside and warehouse sites.”
The five Lucozade Powerleague sites comprise: Derby 30,000 sq ft; Blackburn 35,000 sq ft; Trafford Park (next to Chill Factor and intu Trafford Centre) 32,500 sq ft; North Shields 33,000 sq ft; and Wigan 31,000 sq ft. Most of the units have been acquired as a sub-let from DW Sports on a 15-year lease. Average rents are £7.65 per sq ft and represents an annual investment of £1.2m.
