Reading: Toys R Us at Gateway development to become UFC gym
Aberdeen Standard Investments has gained consent for a UFC gym in place of the former Toys R Us store at Reading Gateway.
Due to open in the first quarter of 2020, the gym will be operated by UFC Gym UK - an extension of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, the world's largest mixed martial arts company, which has taken a 15-year lease of the space.
Refurbishment of the 20,773 sq ft unit, as well an additional 10,000 sq ft at mezzanine level, is soon to start and will create UFC’s third club in the UK and a flagship health and fitness centre for Thames Valley. It will offer HIIT, boxing and martial art classes, with fitness equipment and a recovery area.
Nando’s has also signed a 20-year lease on a unit of 4,009 sq ft, which is due to open at the retail park on January 23.
Peter Tomley, deputy fund manager at Aberdeen Standard Investments, said: “These two lettings cement the creation of an exciting, major mixed-use scheme in Reading. The addition of UFC and Nando’s, alongside the existing occupiers, including Premier Inn, Costa Coffee, Burger King, Wren Kitchens, Schmidt Kitchens and Todd Doors, creates a fantastic mix of leisure, F&B and home retailing at the park that will only continue to improve the scheme’s appeal.”
There is one unit of 4,475 sq ft remaining to be let at Reading Gateway out of a scheme of 191,000 sq ft.
Source: CoStar
