Anytime Fitness has made six new hires to boost its UK property team as the franchise bids to make good on ambitious growth plans.

The gym chain, which currently has 52 sites, wants to reach 200 locations in the next couple of years and is consequently making property acquisition one of its top priorities. A further 14 locations are set to be unveiled later this year, while the company has more than 40 sites in legal discussions with an early 2016 opening date, plus a further 110 clubs to follow shortly after.

“The growth of the company presents an exciting challenge for this new-look team to identify suitable properties of around 5,000sq ft (465sq m) that are conveniently located,” said Brett Edwards, Anytime Fitness general manager.

The six new recruits include five leasing managers; Kevin Cockburn who joins from Asda, Heather Blenkinship from Colliers, Kirsty Berry from Majestic Wine, Simon Copper from Travis Perkins and Brandon Jones, who is recently qualified. In support, Guy Terry has joined Anytime Fitness to drive the legal process and ensure timely opening of the clubs.

Stephen Rough-Whitta, head of property at Anytime Fitness UK, added: “We now have a 10 strong in-house property team, which includes a programme manager and town planner, and together they are already starting to agree some great new deals. We have also appointed three external agencies who are working with us to find suitable properties.”