From Concept to Completion – ABLE FITNESS LTD, Retail Park Transformation
- Location - Peterborough
- Client - ABLE FITNESS
1. Project Overview
At Crestel Projects, we take pride in every scheme we deliver, but some projects carry extra meaning. The ABLE FITNESS LTD development is one such example.
This project involved the complete transformation of two retail and leisure units within a retail park into a state-of-the-art fitness facility. More than just a refurbishment, it was a passion project for our Managing Director, Simon Fitzjohn, who is also one of the founders of ABLE FITNESS Gym. His personal connection to this scheme ensured a level of detail, energy, and care that shines through in the finished product.
2. Scope of Works
The conversion required a total reimagination of the space, taking the units from empty shells to a thriving community fitness hub.
01.
Lighting and Power
Installation of new systems to support energy-efficient, safe, and flexible operation.
02.
Fire Safety Upgrades
Full fire alarm system improvements in line with regulatory standards.
03.
Essential Facilities
Construction of new toilets and showers, ensuring convenience and compliance.
04.
Therapy and Classroom Spaces
Purpose-built areas designed to support sports therapy and the education of secondary school students, enabling them to train as fully qualified personal trainers.
05.
Training Environments
A sledge track and functional training room, designed to cater for every fitness level.
06.
Gym Fit-Out
Installation of the latest UK Gym Equipment solutions, delivered in collaboration with Raymond Gale and UKGYMEQUIPMENTLTD, creating a cutting-edge workout environment.
3. Objectives
The ABLE Fitness project was designed to achieve:
- Transformative Reuse – Repurposing underused retail units into vibrant, income-generating community facilities.
- Holistic Fitness Environment – Combining gym facilities with therapy, education, and functional training spaces.
- Community and Education Impact – Supporting the development of future fitness professionals through integrated classroom provision.
- High-Quality, Future-Proofed Facility – Delivering a gym designed to grow with its members and the local community.
4. Challenges and Solutions
01.
Challenge 1: Retail-to-Leisure Conversion
Retail spaces are not naturally designed for gyms, therapy rooms, and classrooms.
Solution:
Crestel re-engineered building services, installed tailored M&E, and reconfigured layouts to create a seamless, multi-use environment.
02.
Challenge 2: Multi-Disciplinary Integration
Balancing gym equipment, classrooms, therapy facilities, and fitness tracks required careful planning.
Solution:
A detailed design phase, followed by phased construction, ensured all facilities were delivered to spec and fit together cohesively.
03.
Challenge 3: Passion Meets Professionalism
With the MD personally invested, the project needed to balance emotional commitment with technical rigour.
Solution:
Crestel applied its proven project management processes while embracing Simon’s vision, blending passion with precision.
5. Outcomes
The result is a fully transformed fitness destination that sets a new standard for gym design and community-focused leisure facilities.
- Two former retail units reimagined into a thriving fitness hub.
- High-spec gym floor with sledge track, functional training room, and advanced equipment.
- Supporting facilities including therapy rooms, classrooms, showers, and breakout areas.
- Community benefits through education and accessible fitness provision.
- Delivered on time and to the highest quality standards, exceeding client and community expectations.
6. Personal Connection
For Crestel MD Simon Fitzjohn, this was more than a project. As a co-founder of ABLE Fitness, Simon was able to channel both his professional expertise and his personal passion for health and fitness into the build. This unique connection helped shape a facility that truly reflects the values of community, innovation, and quality.
7. Looking Ahead
The ABLE Fitness project is not only a successful retail-to-leisure conversion but also a blueprint for future gym and wellness facilities. Crestel Projects is proud to have delivered a scheme that:
- Supports the community
- Provides education and opportunity
- Sets a benchmark for modern gym design
Crestel Projects specialises in fitness centre fit-outs, retail-to-leisure conversions, and commercial refurbishments across the UK. If you are looking to transform your property into a vibrant, functional, and future-ready facility, get in touch with our team today.