Gym, located at Jubilee High School, is set to close on July 31, 2025

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Families in Addlestone have expressed significant concern and disappointment over the closure of Addlestone Health and Fitness, operated by Achieve Lifestyle. The gym, located at Jubilee High School, is set to close on July 31, 2025.

Here are the key details and reasons for the concern:

  • Impact on Youth and Older Adults: A major point of contention is that Addlestone Health and Fitness catered to a wide range of ages, including young people aged 12 and above, and had a dedicated group for older adults. Families are worried because the other two gyms in Addlestone do not accept juniors, and the gym provided both a fitness outlet and a vital social contact point for many.
  • Lack of Consultation and Alternatives: Members, including Kerry Tamplin (46), who spoke to SurreyLive, expressed being “gutted” by the decision and questioned why they weren’t consulted or given more warning. They believe that members would have been willing to pay more to keep the “very cheap gym” open, but no opportunity was given to explore solutions.
  • Reasons for Closure: Achieve Lifestyle, an independent charity, stated that the gym has been operating at a financial loss for many years without external funding or financial support. Rising business costs, the long-term impact of the pandemic, and increasing local competition were cited as key reasons for the closure.
  • Transfer Options: Existing members have been offered the option to transfer their memberships to Egham Orbit, another Achieve Lifestyle facility located a 10-15 minute drive away. However, this is not a suitable alternative for everyone, especially for junior members, as Egham Orbit has very specific and limited times when juniors can use the gym.
  • Community Value: The gym was seen as more than just a place to exercise; it fostered a strong sense of community, where friendships were formed and goals achieved. Its closure is viewed as a loss of a valuable community resource that offered social as well as health benefits.
  • Council and MP Involvement: Runnymede Borough Council and MP Dr. Ben Spencer have been briefed on the situation. The Council expressed sadness at the decision and hopes a similar facility might operate on the site in the future, while encouraging members to transfer to Egham Orbit. Achieve Lifestyle also stated they are actively engaging with the council and MP to explore alternative options.

In essence, the closure has left many Addlestone families feeling underserved and without a suitable local fitness option, particularly for their younger and older