Third Space creates new luxury club in historic London landmark

Third Space is gearing up to open its 12th site – the third this year – in Clapham Junction, London.

With investment from US-based KSL Capital Partners, there are plans to double the Third Space portfolio in the next three years. The most recent launch was in July at the historic Battersea Power Station development, while Wood Wharf opened earlier this summer.

The Clapham Junction club will be housed in the Grade II listed former Arlington and Hobbs department store which is being reimagined as a luxury mixed-use development.

The building has beautiful 1920s architectural features, including wooden beams, floor to ceiling windows and a stained glass cupola.

These features have been complemented by modern architecture, including a bespoke staircase and bronze roof extension. The three-storey site is described as 'history meets high-tech'.

Arding & Hobbs was established in 1876. The original building was destroyed by a fire on 20 December 1909 and the present building was constructed in 1910 in an Edwardian Baroque style. The architect was James Gibson.

“This is where I bought my first suit before I started work over 30 years ago and it's going to make a fabulous space for a Third Space club,” said Third Space CEO, Colin Waggett, talking to HCM.

More than 100 classes a week will be on offer at the four studios including hot yoga, signature HIIT, cycle classes and Reformer Pilates in the mind and body studio.

Flooded with natural light, the 2,500sq ft gym floor will offer world-class strength and conditioning workout facilities, including an Eleiko weightlifting area, a sled track and multi-function rig.

Relaxation facilities will include male and female sauna and steamrooms, a lounge area and a cafe branded as Natural Fitness Food. There will also be two sports medical rooms and beautiful changing areas.

In line with its other clubs, membership will be £220 per month, or £245 for group membership, which allows the use of all Third Space clubs, excluding Mayfair.

GM, Sebastian James, told HCM: “Third Space Clapham Junction will be a sanctuary for those who seek the pinnacle of physical and mental wellness in an environment that blends historical charm with state-of-the-art facilities. It’s not just another gym, it’s a luxury neighbourhood club that stands as a beacon of wellness innovation.”

Earlier this year Wagget told HCM that it’s perfect timing for the fitness sector to secure leases as landlords see health clubs as attractive anchor tenants: “Historical competitors for space at ground floor and basement levels – large format retail and casual dining restaurants – are shedding space and office space is also being repurposed. More than ever before, landlords need us to take space, and provide an amenity for the rest of their building or development.”

Colin Waggett will be part of the strong line-up of speakers at the upcoming HCM Summit taking place in London on 24 October.

Check out the HCM Summit 2024 speaker lineup and book your place here.

Jonny Wilkinson, Founder, One Living

Dean Kowarski, Global CEO Virgin Active and Kauai

Fahad Alhagbani, CEO Armah Sports

Eric Falardeau, Partner, McKinsey

Justin Musgrove, CEO, Fitness First UK

Will Orr, CEO, The Gym Group

Colin Waggett, CEO, Third Space

Baz Moffat, Founder, The Well HQ

Phillip Mills, Executive Director, Les Mills International

Pieterjan (PJ) Nuitten, CEO, Jims Fitness

Oliver Patrick, Co-founder, Future Practice

Emlyn Brown, Senior VP Wellbeing, Strategy Design & Development, Accor

Belinda Steward, CEO, Places Leisure

Keith Burnet, CEO, Alchemist & Adventurer