JD Gyms is aiming to crank up the rollout of its gym concept, with plans to open up to three more sites nationwide by the end of the year.

Having launched its inaugural site in Hull at the start of 2014, the gym division of JD Sports recently unveiled its second location in Liverpool. The eye-catching health club – within a Grade II listed three-storey property – was innovatively designed to retain the DNA of JD’s retail stores and is on course to reach its target of 5,000 members.

The next phase of growth will see the third JD Gym open in Preston this August, with aims for another two by the end of the year.

“Obviously with the scale of our brand, there’s potential for rapid growth, but we’re looking for more organic growth with a view to longevity,” managing director Alun Peacock told Health Club Management.

“The gyms will obviously be different to the stores but we’re eager for them to retain the stylish ‘JD feel’ which has served the retail side so well. Similarly, we’ll be looking for locations in major urban centres.”

As has been the blueprint so far, the clubs will generally be 15,000 to 35,000sq ft sites, utilising a wide range of gym equipment from varied suppliers, with memberships costing between £15 and £20 a month.