Pulse has started developing a £1.3m fitness suite at Imperial College London’s new residential complex in North Acton.

A significant investment by the college will see Pulse design, develop and equip the facility, which will be open to Imperial’s student residents free of charge, in addition to staff and private members. The facility will be fully operated by Pulse on a 10-year contract and is expected to open in time for the new academic year at the start of October.

Pulse will transform the existing shell into an 867sq m (9,332sq ft), two-storey fitness facility with an 85-station gym and multifunctional studio space.

The fitness suite will feature Pulse’s Series 3 Fusion Cardio and Evolve Strength equipment, while the cardio equipment will feature Pulse’s touch screen Cirrus Console which enables workout customisation and in-gym entertainment. The multifunctional studio will feature retractable walls so it can be divided and used for a variety of activities at any one time, from dance sessions to indoor cycling and functional training classes.

“This is a landmark contract for Pulse and a testament to our first rate services, equipment and previous operational work within the education sector,” said Warren Ormerod, director of club operations at Pulse.

“We are confident we’ll not only meet but exceed the objectives and targets set in terms of usage, retention and revenue.”