Third Space has signed a deal to open a club at The Whiteley, the iconic West London landmark which is undergoing a £1bn (US$1.3bn, €1.2bn) transformation into a mixed-use development.

The luxury fitness operator will take 34,000sq ft of space across three floors within The Whiteley, directly accessed via Porchester Gardens in Bayswater.

Third Space currently operates 10 clubs across London and is rolling out its high-end brand following investment from KSL in 2021.

At the time, Third Space CEO, Colin Waggett explained one part of the company's growth strategy to HCM, saying: "Landlords who are undertaking major redevelopment projects recognise that for both residential and office developments, fitness is the new anchor tenant and if it’s a premium development, then Third Space is top of their list.

"Now’s the time to capitalise on this opportunity."

Further details of Third Space at The Whiteley, including the opening date, will be confirmed later this year.

The Whiteley building is the site of former department store Whiteleys, which takes its name from entrepreneur, William Whiteley, who opened his first drapery shop in London in 1863.

A decade later, the shop had grown to a department store described as “an immense symposium of the arts and industries of the nation and of the world”.

In the 1980s, Whiteleys was then redeveloped into a shopping center with a cinema and tenpin bowling.

It closed its doors in December 2018 as its popularity diminished.

The building is being brought to life by development manager Finchatton and joint venture investment partners MARK and CC Land.

In collaboration with architects Foster + Partners, renowned for its eco credentials and responsible design approach, the historic landmark will become a "sensitively restored mixed-use development" with 139 residences, which are being marketed by Savills and Knight Frank from £1,515,000 upwards. The 139 spaces include 14 Six Senses Residences that homeowners can place into the Six Senses Hotel inventory.

Third Space is the latest operator to occupy a space at the development.

Others include luxury hotel, resort and spa operator, Six Senses, which will open its first UK site at The Whiteley.

Six Senses will operate a 109-guest room hotel, Six Senses Place.

Alex Michelin, co-founder of Finchatton, said: “We're thrilled to embark on this collaboration with Third Space, a brand that prides itself on delivering the highest standards and creating health clubs with an unmatched individuality in style.

"Its commitment to excellence aligns seamlessly with The Whiteley’s dedication to providing a wellbeing offering that is unrivalled anywhere in the world.

"We're confident Third Space’s presence will play a significant role in re-energising Queensway’s reputation as a compelling central axis for people with a discerning global mindset.”

News of the new club comes as Third Space has increasingly positioned itself towards wellness.

It recently revealed plans to expand its mind and body offering with the introduction of Sound Bath classes.

The class offers members a new way to relax and unwind using sound therapy, a holistic approach to wellbeing which uses instruments to create frequencies and vibrations in order to cultivate a deeply meditative, therapeutic and healing state.

The 60-minute sessions will launch on 21st August, initially taking place once per week at Third Space’s Canary Wharf, Moorgate, Islington and City clubs.

Liz Terry, editor of HCM, said: "Having used sound baths for many years for healing, I can attest to their effectiveness.

"Introducing sound baths to the programme gives Third Space another powerful foothold in the wellness and recovery market that is growing so fast in the health club sector."

For more wellness news and insight, tap into HCM's sister magazine, Spa Business, the global business title for decision-makers and trendsetters in the spa and wellness industry.

Read our interview with Six Senses CEO, Neil Jacobs here.

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