A new heritage boxing gym has been established in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter, attracting more than 300 members since its opening last month.
Launched by former heavyweight boxer Neil Perkins, Henrietta Street Gym is situated in the Derwent Works area of the Jewellery Quarter.
The 3,600sq ft (334sq m) building – which was an old metalworks factory – has undergone a £180,000 renovation. Developer Javelin Block has retained its original brickwork features and lift shaft.
A further £120,000 has been spent on equipment provided by ProBox and Wolverson, including authentic brown leather punch bags, boxing gloves, weights, bench press, olympic bars and flooring.
Perkins said he had targeted 400 members by March 2017 but looks set to have a waiting list before the end of this year.
"The area is quite affluent and clients are from around the city centre. They live and work half-a-mile from the gym," he said.
The gym offers three types of monthly membership: off-peak (£35); standard (£49); elite (£69).
It took Perkins and Javelin Block two-and-a-half years to find a suitable site for the gym in the West Midlands city. Perkins hopes he does not have to wait as long to find suitable female trainers to work in the gym, with 15 freelance male trainers, but no women.
Perkins said: "In terms of membership, we have about a 60/40 split between men and women but more women are joining. I'm in need of a female trainer. I've been trying to get one but it is hard. Good trainers are hard to find. Good female trainers are like gold dust."
