A Merseyside health club owner is giving ‘budget gyms’ a whole new meaning by putting his premises on the market for just £1.

Richard Birchall, owner of the ladies-only Hearts Ladies Health Clubs, is ready to retire and travel the world, but first wants to safeguard the jobs of his loyal staff. He’s placed his two gyms – a 700-member site in Wallasey and a 1,200-member gym nearby Crosby – on the market for £1 each and has unsurprisingly been inundated with offers.

Since putting the premises on the market earlier this week, the gyms have attracted more than 20 enquiries, a staff member at the Crosby gym told Health Club Management.

Both clubs currently offer gym exercise, personal training, sauna, spa, tanning and skin rejuvenation treatments, with a combined annual turnover of £700,000. The gyms carry a wide range of classes including Les Mills’ Bodypump, HIIT, Kettlebells Heat Flex Yoga and Zumba.

The business is debt free but currently loss making, while the clubs’ premises are rented and new leases are available.

“I don’t need the money and I want to attract lots of interest,” said Birchall. "I want to pass on the business to protect the jobs of my staff so they can continue to provide a good service to club members."

"This is a great opportunity for a few people with fresh ideas and energy. It will particularly suit new owners with a strong vision and good communication and marketing skill.”

The sites are available separately for a £1 each, or can be bought together for a total of £2. The successful buyer will take control of all assets of the business including equipment, a large database of potential members and a dedicated workforce.

Anyone interested in the offer can contact Birchall by emailing [email protected]