Greenwich Leisure Limited (GLL) has grown its network of Better gyms with the purchase of FitSpace - strengthening its position in the low-cost market.

The purchase of the eight-strong nationwide chain brings the number of standalone Better gyms to 17.

Better is the customer brand of GLL, a leisure social charitable enterprise.

The budget gym market is dominated by private providers, but GLL plans to prioritise social value over profit, with an emphasis on increasing participation, and maintaining accessibility and affordability.

It will target younger, older and less traditional gym users so more people can benefit from affordable access to physical activity.

Mark Sesnan, GLL managing director, said: “The growing network of Better Gyms brings a fresh name to the high street and proves that a charity can compete very successfully with the private sector in leisure.

“Better still, instead of shareholders, it’s our customers that profit from our social enterprise. All our surpluses are reinvested into our facilities to help get people of all backgrounds, ages and communities more active, more often, thus helping address some of the deep problems in our society today such as inactivity and child obesity.”

The new facilities added to the Better Gym portfolio are in Bournemouth, Bradford, Holloway, Lincoln, Mitcham, Nottingham, Sheffield and Woolwich.