EXCLUSIVE: 1R Australia is set to open its first Australian facility in the Capitol Grand development in the Melbourne suburb of South Yarra.
Currently scheduled to open on 20th February, the boutique operator’s arrival in Australia follows its success in the UK where GQ Magazine voted it as the best gym in London, dubbing it as the "King of Gyms".
Created by James Balfour, the son of Fitness First founder Mike Balfour, 1Rebel first revealed its plans to expand in the Australian market in 2018.
The group's fitness proposition is based on its signature 'Reshape' and 'Rumble' concepts, which it introduces as follows: "in the over-saturated world of fitness where views, likes and followers can take precedent, we think it’s time to strip it back and remind ourselves to keep it real.
"We’ve created a space where you get to work, grunt and grit your teeth without judgement."
The 1R studio in South Yarra is equipped to hold the boutique operator’s signature Reshape and Rumble classes, as well as its new Reformer concept.
The studio is located in the $700 million high-rise Capitol Grand development on the corner of South Yarra’s Chapel Street and Toorak Road, owned by investor and NBL owner Larry Kestelman.
With reference to the 6000 metre² retail space in the development, the Australian Financial Review last year reported Kestelman as saying bricks-and-mortar retailing "is not dead".
With 1R Australia occupying retail space alongside Dior Cosmetics & Accessories and an art gallery it was reported that rents in the building cost between $1000 and $2500 metre².
Fitout on the studio was undertaken by the FDC Group.
Information on the 1R Australia website does not indicate whether the South Yarra gym's opening will be delayed as a result of Victoria's current Coronavirus lockdown.
For more information go to www.1raustralia.com
About the author
Nigel Benton
Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management
Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.
With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.
Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.
In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.
He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).
In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.
As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.
Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.
His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.
His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well, until February 2025 when she left us, caring a little pug named Stella.
Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.
Read more from this author
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