Bannatyne Fitness has acquired the prestigious Cookridge Hall in Leeds, in an off-market transaction brokered by Christie & Co, from Cookridge Hall Health & Fitness Ltd.
The 38,693 sq ft health club, which becomes the 72nd club in the Bannatyne portfolio, had previously been owned and operated by Esporta and subsequently, Virgin Active, prior to the health club and the adjacent golf club investments being acquired by the vendors.
Cookridge Hall, which dates from 1754, is situated some five miles north west of Leeds city centre and is well located on the urban fringe of Cookridge, within the affluent suburbs of Alwoodley, Horsforth and nearby Bramhope.
The new Bannatyne Health Club & Spa Cookridge Hall will see a significant programme of investment with the gym floor to be totally revamped with the installation of state-of-the-art Technogym equipment, a functional training area and the complete refurbishment of the changing facilities. The addition of a brand-new Bannatyne Spa is planned at a later date.
Justin Musgrove, CEO of the Bannatyne Group, said, “Cookridge Hall represents a further strategic purchase for the group as well as an exciting opportunity for us enhance both the property and member experience with targeted investment.
“Cookridge Hall is in a significant location, serving a wide area including Alwoodley, Horsforth, Otley, Ilkley and Wharfedale and is a perfect addition to our growing portfolio. Its position is also ideal for one of our luxury spas and we will be planning this investment at a later stage.”
Managing Director of Cookridge Hall Health & Fitness and Cookridge Hall Golf Club, Adam Frontal added, “As specialist health club and spa operators we are delighted to see the ownership and operation of Cookridge Hall pass to Bannatyne Fitness and we look forward to a close working relationship with them as we further develop our own golfing interests on site.”
Christie & Co’s Head of Leisure & Development, Jon Patrick, who brokered the deal, concluded, “Our historic knowledge of the club and associated ownership structures enabled a discreet and confidential approach to be made with a smooth sale and purchase transition which appealed to both buyer and seller alike.”
