Nick Grantham, Head of Strength and Conditioning at Newcastle United FC, approached Absolute Performance to provide the club with a training facility worthy of a premiership football team.

"Creating a high-performance training space within the constraints of an existing building is a challenging process”, said Nick. “Having worked with Absolute Performance on previous projects I knew they were a company that could deliver my vision. I wanted to work with a company that could take the existing space and develop something that was truly world class.

"It was important for me to work with a company that could source every piece of kit, from flooring and racks to performance-grade cardiovascular equipment and strength diagnostic tools. Their attention to detail meant we were able to deliver a high-performance space that will play an important part in the physical preparation of the first team players".

Designing an elite facility takes time and focus with the coaches involved to ensure that the solutions are precisely tailored and robust enough to serve the club for years to come.

Following Nick’s precise requirements, the AP design team created a facility that not only fulfilled the club’s needs, but stood solidly within budget.

We laid flooring solution that gave NUFC over 200sqm of AP Heavy Duty 40mm flooring along with an additional 40sqm of AP Evolution artificial turf. This provided a large area hardy enough to withstand the rigours of the repetitive dropping with a seamless transition into turf area for sled work, sprint training and specific drills.

Elite-level training requires elite-level equipment. Legend fitness racks, a smith press, functional trainer and pro glute ham machines were all laid out for optimal performance. A powerful range of cardio equipment and Absolute Performance accessories were included and the project was with NUFC branded Werksan Olympic plates.

Hardenhuish School had an ageing, traditional gym hall that was ideal for re-purposing as a modern, safe and effective strength and conditioning facility for students and the wider public to enjoy. This project involved a complete renovation of the gym hall, including the installation of new flooring and equipment.

WOW FACTOR
The renovated space now features a striking red turf sled track, which is the centrepiece of the facility, three Werksan Power Rack weightlifting stations, Olympic standard bars, hex bars and bumper plates and a range of APEX dumbbells, kettlebells, and Powerbag sandbags.

Cardio equipment has also been installed, including four SkiErg machines, rowers, and bikes. Storage solutions have been put in place to keep the equipment safe, stored, and off the floor.

To finish things off, the facility has been kitted out with a range of premium accessories to enhance the workout experience.

OVERCOMING CHALLENGES
The main challenge of the project was to create a modern strength and conditioning facility while maintaining the character of the original space. The huge area has been successfully segmented into logical areas to accommodate different types of exercise. Delivery to site required a considerable amount of manual handling due to the location of the gym hall within the school, but it was nothing the AP installation team weren’t used to.

END RESULT
The new strength and conditioning facility has exceeded the school’s expectations. What was once a neglected area has become a real focal point not only for the Physical Education Department but for the whole school.

Luke Brailey, Curriculum Lead for PE at Hardenhuish commented: “The students are blown away by the space. The wow factor on their faces when they walk through and see it, first of all, is amazing. This project is going to enable us to teach amazing lessons”.

Our most unusual gym location to date, this grade II listed building near Bolton is an absolutely stunning space. Beautifully lit with stained glass windows, it retains many of its impressive original features that date back to 1863.

It’s the unique setting that makes this installation so special. The gym is accessed via the church grounds and graveyard, which forges a distinctive atmosphere and memorable experience. Inside, the high, arched ceilings create a sense of spaciousness, while the impressive architecture makes this former church one of the most characterful projects we’ve been involved with.

This isn’t just another gym installation. It’s a resurrection. And we are delighted that our client chose to partner with us, from concept to creation and beyond.

The vision
Our client had a clear vision: create a stand-out gym space to accommodate a wide range of activities, while staying true to the building’s identity and preserving its unique character.

Our customer wanted to create something truly meaningful — a memorable space, with great kit, that would keep clients coming back. And, as this is a brand-new business, they required more than installation – they needed expertise, guidance and a reliable partner to walk alongside them at every stage.

We supported from day one – helping define the brief, advising on structural requirements, and designing a space that could evolve with the business. From concept and planning, to layout, specification, installation and final commissioning, we made sure nothing was left to chance.

Great spaces deserve great support, so our commitment doesn’t end when the tools are packed away. We’re here to help long after opening day – listening, leading, and showing up. Because when we say beyond the build, we mean it.

The equipment: built to perform
Our gym spaces are designed to inspire and built to perform!

Downstairs, the strength and conditioning area was kitted out with commercial-grade equipment built for performance and endurance. A KingsBox custom CX-37 rack forms the centrepiece, with integrated storage that maximises the training area. Alongside this, a Smith Machine, dual cable stations and fixed strength equipment create a complete training solution. A branded turf sled track runs across the gym floor, bringing dynamic movement to the space.

Around the original organ, fixed stations were placed to complement the building’s unique features – with custom plyo boxes, branded platforms and rack backboards adding a premium, professional finish. Upstairs, a dedicated reformer Pilates studio sits beneath vaulted ceilings – equipped with 10 reformers, full-height mirrors and acoustic flooring.

All equipment is built for durability and daily commercial use, with every rack joint and weld backed by a lifetime warranty. We specified 40mm flooring throughout to preserve the integrity of the building while minimising impact and noise. The KingsBox system allows for future additions, because this space is built to adapt as the business grows.

The result: a new religion
This project is a powerful example of what’s possible when vision and experience come together. Together, we turned an underused building into a standout fitness destination – one that’s already making waves in the local community.

But our role goes far deeper than supply and fit. We work collaboratively, bring ideas to life, and offer continued support to help businesses thrive. We don’t just deliver what’s asked — we ask what’s possible.

By understanding the purpose behind the project and shaping the solution around it, we help clients maximise potential, performance and long-term value. And because we’re in it for the long haul, we’ll be here whenever advice, updates or future changes are needed.

This is more than installation. This is partnership.