Through bespoke finishes, feature lighting, and bold use of Simply Gym’s signature branding, the space delivers a strong identity and a premium member experience.
Simply Gym – Bilston
Retail Shell to a High-Performance 24/7 Fitness Destination
End-to-End Design & Build Delivery
We provided a fully integrated design and build service, taking the project from initial concept through to completion, ensuring programme certainty, cost control, and compliance throughout.
Intelligent Spatial Planning
The internal layout was strategically designed to optimise member flow, zoning, and operational efficiency while responding to existing structural constraints within the building.
Distinctive Brand-Led Environment
This project involved the full design and fit-out of a new Simply Gym facility in Bilston, delivering a 31,400 sq ft fitness environment within a former discount retail unit. The existing building required extensive internal demolition to remove redundant partitions and retail infrastructure, enabling the creation of a modern, open-plan gym designed for high-volume, 24-hour operation.
Entry to the facility is from the west of the site, where members pass the male and female changing rooms, DDA-compliant toilet and shower facilities, manager’s office, plant room, storage areas, cleaners’ room, and two sublet treatment rooms. This arrival zone was carefully planned to balance operational functionality with a clear, intuitive member journey. Adjacent to this, a stretch area transitions seamlessly into the cardio zone, setting the tone for the wider gym experience.
As members progress through the space, circulation is anchored by a female-only zone on the left and a large functional training zone on the right. The functional zone is a key visual and experiential feature, incorporating a bespoke prowler and sled track beneath a custom black ceiling raft with neon yellow tessellated feature lighting. A mesh feature wall provides a visual division between this area and the adjacent cable zone while maintaining openness and sightlines.
Beyond this, the layout flows into a back-to-back squatting area, flanked by pin-loaded equipment, before opening into the main free weights zone. Here, wall-to-wall mirrors enhance both functionality and perceived scale, with dumbbells positioned opposite plate-loaded equipment. The journey concludes at the far east of the site with the spin studio and main studio, strategically located to minimise acoustic impact on the main gym floor.
From a technical standpoint, the project required careful coordination to overcome existing structural constraints, including raised concrete floor sections integral to the building. These were innovatively repurposed to house the female showers, resolving drainage challenges without compromising structural integrity. New underground drainage was installed to accommodate the relocated male showers and DDA facilities. All mechanical and electrical systems were renewed, including new electrics throughout, full air conditioning and ventilation, CCTV, security systems, access turnstiles for 24-hour use, and a brand-new audio system.
The visual identity of the gym was developed through bespoke finishes, including rubber flooring of varying thicknesses tailored to each training zone for durability and performance. Feature walls were hand-painted using tessellated geometric triangles in Simply Gym’s signature yellow, complemented by black and grey tones, ensuring each wall is unique. Externally, the building was fully repainted in the client’s bright yellow branding and fitted with new signage. The design process was supported by detailed 3D visualisations, enabling rapid client decision-making, while traditional CAD drafting ensured all building control and compliance requirements were met.
