Location: Southwark, London
Training Space: Leisure Centre
Industry: Local Authority


Opened in 2025, Canada Water Leisure Centre represents a new standard for local authority facilities, combining high-quality design with accessible community fitness. The centre features a 25 m, 8-lane main pool, a teaching pool with a moveable floor, multi-purpose studios, a cycling studio and a large, fully equipped gym.

This flagship site marks the seventh project delivered by IndigoFitness for Southwark Council, continuing a partnership built on trust, collaboration and a shared commitment to improving community wellbeing through exceptional training spaces.


The Challenge
As a brand-new facility, the gym offered a rare opportunity to design a training space from the ground up. Southwark Council wanted to create a premium, inclusive and functional space that would set a new benchmark for local authority leisure.

Key priorities included:

• Designing an open, flexible training environment suitable for a wide range of users.

• Aligning the gym design with Southwark’s MOVE brand identity.

• Addressing acoustic challenges in the free weights area to minimise noise across the facility.

• Incorporating bespoke equipment and storage solutions that maximise available space while maintaining clear sightlines.


The Solution

IndigoFitness worked collaboratively with Southwark Council from concept through delivery to ensure every element of the design supported both functional performance and brand storytelling.

Integrated Rack Systems:
Three bespoke racks with integrated Smith machines were linked by custom plate storage to optimise functionality and minimise floor depth. A further three racks with dual adjustable pulleys (DAPs) backed onto them to form a central training hub that supports smooth member flow.

Custom Functional Rig & Storage:

A purpose-built rig was designed to wrap around the gym’s steel pillars, incorporating wall ball targets, cable systems, storage for accessories and throw walls, turning structural elements into active training features.

Free Weights & Benches:

 A full suite of IndigoFitness free weights and benches ensured consistency in quality, durability and aesthetics throughout the strength zones.

Flooring & Acoustic Treatment:
Premium 70 mm Durasound tiles were installed in the free weights area to reduce noise and vibration, significantly enhancing acoustic performance across the gym.

Stretch & Recovery Zone:
A dedicated space was created with tailored storage and equipment, giving members a clear area for warm-up, cooldown and recovery.

'Move' Brand Integration:
Southwark’s MOVE branding is visible throughout the space, from custom frameworks and platforms to upholstery detailing, creating a cohesive and recognisable visual identity.

Premium, Collar-Free Setup:
The use of Gungnir weightlifting bars across the gym provided a collar-free lifting experience, enhancing ease of use and member safety, a standout feature in local authority facilities.


The Result

Canada Water Leisure Centre’s gym has been designed to balance high performance with accessibility. The open layout makes the most of the building’s structure, creating a sense of space and energy while maintaining clear sightlines.

The result is a premium, future-ready training space that serves strength, conditioning and functional fitness equally well. Improved acoustic control has created a more enjoyable atmosphere, while the MOVE branding reinforces identity and connection throughout the space.

This project represents more than just another installation. It reflects a long-standing partnership between IndigoFitness and Southwark Council and a shared vision to transform local authority gyms into inspiring, high-performing community hubs. With a potential Phase 2 already in view, the space has been designed with growth and adaptability in mind. Project delivered by IndigoFitness.

Location: Richmond, London
Training Space: Luxury Health Club

Third Space Richmond set out to create a luxury, multi-functional training space that would meet the brand’s premium standards while navigating the constraints of a challenging building structure and strict acoustic requirements. To bring this vision to life, IndigoFitness worked closely with the project team to design fully bespoke solutions that optimised every inch of available space and delivered a high-end training experience.


The Challenge
The project required a highly considered approach to address several key factors:

• Acoustic concerns: Significant sound and vibration control was needed to minimise impact on surrounding areas.

• Architectural limitations: Existing structural pillars and layout restricted the gym floor plan.

• Storage demands: High-capacity storage was required without compromising floor space or aesthetics.

• Brand standards: The facility needed to reflect Third Space’s reputation for premium design and exceptional member experience.


The Solution
Acoustic engineering formed a critical part of the build. Bespoke spreader plates were installed beneath almost all equipment, including cardio and single stations, to reduce vibration transfer throughout the building.

To maximise functionality, space-optimised functional training zones were designed around three structural pillars. These zones incorporated throw and handstand walls, pull-up and suspension points, wall ball targets, dip attachments, punchbag hanging systems and integrated sled plate storage.

A bespoke free weights area featured double-sided dumbbell racks engineered to hold mirrors and lighting, creating a central spine that anchors the zone. Frames were fixed into the floor and ceiling with sprung fixings to accommodate acoustic floor movement.

Storage and equipment integration were a key focus. Custom HIIT studio storage units, adjustable benches and Olympic benches were designed to maximise space efficiency and maintain a clean, open training floor.


The Result
The completed facility at Third Space Richmond combines functionality with a premium aesthetic. Acoustic engineering measures significantly reduced sound and vibration, creating a calm and focused training space. Custom-designed racks, storage solutions and lighting create intuitive flow through the gym, guiding members naturally between training zones.

Every element was tailored to align with Third Space’s brand identity, including logo placement on racks, benches and storage. The result is a training space that delivers high performance, visual impact and an elevated member experience, all within the constraints of a complex building structure.


Project delivered by IndigoFitness.

Location: Hastings, East Sussex
Training Space: Health Club

Operator: Bannatyne


Seven years after their last refurbishment, Bannatyne Hastings sought to modernise its gym floor to meet evolving fitness trends and increasing demand for versatile, hybrid training spaces. IndigoFitness was engaged to deliver a future-focused solution that enhanced functionality, maximised space, and reinforced the club’s premium brand identity.


The Challenge

The existing training space required a comprehensive update to:

• Support modern hybrid training modalities, including Hyrox.

• Expand functional training capacity and cable station availability.

• Create a more engaging, aspirational member experience.

• Maintain premium design standards consistent with the Bannatyne brand.

The brief called for a gym that worked harder, looked better, and offered more, while optimising floor space and improving usability.


The Solution

IndigoFitness delivered a full gym floor transformation with a focus on space efficiency, multifunctionality, and premium aesthetics:

Functional Pods:
Strategically positioned in the centre of the room to maximise open training space and support dynamic movement and group functional workouts.

Back-to-Back Stainless Racks:
Six racks provided multiple lifting platforms while saving floor space, with integrated platforms optimised for efficiency.

Single Rack with Integrated Smith Machine:
Combined two strength tools in one compact footprint, maintaining utility without compromising flow.

Custom Cable Stations:
Dual Adjustable Pulleys paired with lat pulldown/low row combos increased cable capacity while blending seamlessly with the environment.

Gungnir Collarless Barbells:
Introduced across the floor, these bars feature integrated SlideLock™ collars, improving safety, usability, and aesthetics, while reinforcing the premium look.

Personalisation and Branding:
Bannatyne’s identity was incorporated throughout via custom rack branding, cable shrouds, and lifting platforms.

Flow and Functionality:
The layout encouraged a natural progression from strength to functional to cable areas, supporting hybrid training formats and improving usability.


The Result

The transformed Bannatyne Hastings gym now delivers a modern, aspirational, and flexible training space. Key outcomes include:

• Enhanced Member Experience:
Access to diverse, versatile training spaces for strength, functional circuits, and hybrid modalities.

• Maximised Space Efficiency:
Smart layout and multifunctional equipment created more usable space without reducing training variety.

• Elevated Brand Perception:
Customised flooring, equipment, and layout reinforce Bannatyne’s premium positioning.

• Future-Ready Facility:
The design accommodates emerging fitness trends, small group PT, and functional training formats.


Project delivered by IndigoFitness.

Across the UK, local authorities are facing the same challenge: ageing leisure facilities, restrictive layouts and rising expectations from multigenerational communities. The recent transformation of Time Capsule Leisure Centre by IndigoFitness shows what’s possible when intelligent engineering and insight‑driven gym design come together with purpose.

Rather than rebuilding from scratch, IndigoFitness helped North Lanarkshire Council unlock the full potential of its existing estate. Large areas of the gym previously sat on raised access flooring, limiting strength and high‑impact training. Through detailed subfloor assessment and engineering remediation, the structure was stabilised and fitted with 40mm EnduraTile gym flooring, opening new zones for functional training and expanding what the facility could offer.

A reimagined layout now improves flow, reduces intimidation for older or less confident users and supports both independent and coached sessions. This aligns with sector insight that shows confidence and environment are often the biggest barriers to activity among older adults.

To boost retention and engage new audiences, the project also introduced 'Power', a boutique‑style group training studio. This format continues to outperform traditional gym usage, driving loyalty, referrals and deeper community engagement.

The result is a modern, multi‑use training space that has already delivered measurable impact with increased usage, broader appeal and stronger community connection.

Time Capsule is now a replicable model for councils seeking to future‑proof ageing facilities and generate lasting social value. IndigoFitness specialises in helping local authorities turn constraints into catalysts for growth.

Explore the full Time Capsule transformation and see the complete project gallery here - https://indigo-fitness.link/GM87NPU

And to find out more, watch our video here:

As colleges across the UK rethink how they support student health, wellbeing, and athletic development, one trend is rapidly accelerating: the creation of dedicated strength & conditioning (S&C) facilities on campus.

Driven by rising demand for structured physical activity, expanding sports academies, and a stronger focus on wellbeing, Further Education (FE) and Higer Education (HE) providers are now prioritising S&C spaces once found only in elite performance environments.

This shift is reshaping educational estates and the recent Warwickshire College Group (WCG) transformation highlights exactly why.


Why Strength & Conditioning Spaces Are Becoming Essential

1. Supporting the rise of modern sports academies

Many colleges now run competitive programmes across football, rugby, basketball, netball and athletics. These programmes need training spaces that allow coaches to deliver:

• Evidence-based strength programmes
• Injury prevention and rehabilitation
• National Governing Body (NGB) aligned pathways
• Consistent, high-quality coaching

Traditional CV-led fitness suites cannot provide the structure or resilience required for academy athletes. Purpose-built S&C spaces can and they’re becoming the new benchmark.

2. Boosting student wellbeing and physical literacy

Strength training continues to surge in popularity among 16–21-year-olds, particularly among young women. Colleges investing in S&C facilities are seeing:

• Higher engagement in timetabled PE, sport, and enrichment
• Improved confidence with movement
• Better physical and mental wellbeing
• Increased interest in sport-based vocational courses

This is no longer a niche interest, it’s the dominant behaviour trend in youth fitness.

3. Multi-use gym design for campus-wide impact

A modern S&C facility now serves far more than performance athletes. Colleges are designing spaces that support:

• Academy training
• Sport curriculum
• Enrichment sessions
• Staff wellbeing
• Community partners
• External performance providers

The best facilities enable simultaneous use without compromising safety, coaching quality or flow. Something that requires specialist gym design.

4. Alignment with FE/HE infrastructure priorities

• Estates strategies across the sector consistently emphasise:
• Multi-functional layouts
• Long-term durability
• Sustainable construction
• Curriculum-led design
• Capability for commercial use

A well-designed S&C facility fits neatly into these priorities, offering both social value and revenue potential.


A Case Study in Transformation: Warwickshire College Group (WCG)

WCG recently partnered with IndigoFitness to convert a traditional sports hall at their Moreton Morrell campus into a high-performance S&C hub serving multiple academies and curriculum pathways.

What makes this project stand out is how clearly it reflects emerging sector-wide needs.

1. Designed for High-Capacity Coaching

To support large academy cohorts, IndigoFitness delivered a layout that enables:

• Clear group rotation
• Zoned strength, conditioning, and accessory areas
• A central turf track for movement, plyometrics and speed work
• Equipment selection optimised for team training

This allows multiple academies (rugby, football, basketball and others) to train efficiently without bottlenecks.

2. Embedded High-Performance Capability

The space was equipped with:

• Bespoke rack storage configurations
• Dual pulleys and fixed strength machines
• Free-weight zones
• HIIT conditioning tools
• Heavy-duty and acoustic performance flooring

Strength & Conditioning Coach Will Jackson explains:
“The new facilities and equipment have allowed us to progress athletes in ways that weren’t possible in our previous gym. Communication with IndigoFitness was fantastic, efficient, supportive, and fast.”

3. Strong Identity, Culture and Ownership

IndigoFitness incorporated full WCG branding across:

• Upholstery
• Platforms
• Racks
• Turf
• Metalwork

This level of personalisation helps build pride and professionalism within academy programmes.

Becky Brannigan, Head of School Student Life, said:
“The purpose of this training space is not only a gym for students and staff, but primarily a strength and conditioning gym to help athletes improve performance. IndigoFitness understood exactly what we needed and worked within our financial constraints to make it happen.”


IndigoFitness: A Specialist Partner for the Education Sector

Projects like WCG require deep collaboration between educators, coaching staff, estates teams and technical specialists. IndigoFitness supported the project from:

• Early design and concept development
• UK manufacture of custom strength equipment
• Flooring specification for impact and strength training
• Full personalisation and branding
• On-site installation and project management

Their approach ensured the space was both high-performance and future-proof.


What WCG Reveals About the Future of FE Training Spaces

• Strength & conditioning environments are becoming essential infrastructure for:
• Student experience
• Physical and mental wellbeing
• Vocational excellence
• High-performance pathways
• Staff development
• Community impact

They create long-term value educationally, operationally, and commercially.

For colleges and education estates planning upgrades, the WCG project demonstrates a powerful lesson. A purpose-built S&C facility is one of the most impactful investments an education provider can make.

For more details on the project and design insights, read the full case study on the IndigoFitness website - here

Southwark Council has officially opened the Canada Water Leisure Centre, a brand-new flagship facility designed to serve the community with modern, accessible, and future-ready training spaces.

Delivered in partnership with IndigoFitness, the facility represents a new era for local authority fitness, putting functional and strength training at the core of the member experience, while anchoring a major regeneration project for Southwark.

The new site replaces the 60-year-old Seven Islands Leisure Centre and forms part of the Canada Water masterplan, which includes new homes, sustainable workspaces, and a vibrant new town square.

Local councillor Portia Mwangangye described the opening as a landmark moment for the borough, highlighting how Southwark is continuing to prioritise investment in health and wellbeing at a time when many councils face challenging financial decisions.


Raising the bar for local authority gyms

The centre features a 25m, 8-lane pool, a teaching pool with a moveable floor, multiple group exercise studios. At its heart is a premium gym including strength and functional training zones designed by IndigoFitness, marking the seventh successful collaboration between IndigoFitness and Southwark Council.


Key design highlights include:

• Bespoke integrated rack systems with smith machines and DAPs, maintaining open sightlines and maximising training variety.

• A custom functional rig with wall ball targets, storage, and cable systems built around existing architectural features.

• 70mm premium Durasound flooring to dramatically reduce noise and vibration in the free weights area.

• A dedicated stretch and recovery zone, encouraging holistic training habits.

• Full 'Move' identity integration, reinforcing brand and community connection.

• Collar-free Gungnir bars throughout the strength area, a unique feature for a local authority site.

“More and more local authorities are recognising that modern members expect training spaces that look and feel premium,” said Tom Hardining-Rooke, IndigoFitness.


A community-first vision

The opening of the centre is part of a wider regeneration project led by Southwark Council and British Land, which will deliver:

• 3,000 new homes,

• Sustainable workspaces for 20,000 people,

• A new town square, and

• A central hub for health, sport, and leisure.

By placing functional and strength training at the core of the gym design, Canada Water is future-proofed to meet the changing needs of members, from experienced lifters to first-time gym goers.

“This project is about more than new equipment,” added Tom Hardining-Rooke, IndigoFitness. “It’s about creating a space that inspires movement and sets a new benchmark for what public sector leisure can be.”



For more details on the project and design insights, read the full case study on the IndigoFitness website

IndigoFitness, known for their bespoke club designs, has placed a marker in the sand for recovery - developing a number of recovery modules that incorporate both priming and restorative techniques to help people prepare and recover for their physical activities.

Working closely with wellness industry experts Ian O'Dwyer, founder of Feel SOMA and Richard Boyd, Director of Global Wellness Designs, IndigoFitness has developed, designed and delivered an exciting new solution set to revolutionise the industry’s perception of recovery. Ian believes that the key to achieving this lies in "moving fluid through the hard and soft tissues."One of the new recovery modules has been developed in collaboration with Power Plate (a Performance Health Systems brand), utilising their state-of-the-art Whole Body Vibration technology to facilitate this process.

Richard Boyd adds, "Power Plate's Whole Body Vibration technology was selected based on the ability of their plate to move in 3 planes of motion. The recovery modules are specifically designed to optimise fluid movement, allowing the vibrations to push the blood, lymph, and water through the tissues for greater healing and recovery benefits."

As the global leader in Whole Body Vibration Training for over 20 years, Power Plate products have been scientifically proven to enhance exercise by optimising warm-up and aiding recovery. With this new partnership, Power Plate aims to raise awareness of the powerful benefits of whole-body vibration, extending their reach beyond traditional gym settings to performance and military facilities, as well as the hospitality, corporate, medical, and senior wellness sectors.

Performance Health Systems (PHS) CEO, Lee Hillman says “We are delighted to partner with Rob Coleman and the team at IndigoFitness and to raise awareness of the powerful benefits of whole body vibration as a key element of a comprehensive priming and recovery solution. We look forward to supporting them on their journey.”

IndigoFitness CEO, Rob Coleman, emphasises the importance of recognizing recovery as an integral aspect of the training space to unlock full potential, enhance performance, and minimise the risk of injuries. He states, "We're excited to bring our new recovery concept to market and work together with Power Plate to deliver an all-in-one solution for priming and restorative modalities."

The vibration module allows for easy integration with other IndigoFitness recovery modalities or can be used as a standalone pod in any space. By offering this cutting-edge solution, IndigoFitness continues to demonstrate its commitment to providing innovative and personalised fitness solutions.

For more information about IndigoFitness and their groundbreaking recovery modules, visit indigofitness.com. To learn more about Power Plate and their Whole Body Vibration technology, visit powerplate.co.uk

Two trailblazers in the strength and fitness industry, PRIMAL and Indigo Fitness, have signed a commercial partnership to offer an industry-leading product and service solution for commercial and private gym spaces.

The partnership sees PRIMAL, the UK’s fastest growing strength brand, and Indigo Fitness, the leading UK manufacturer of bespoke strength equipment, collaborate to provide a one-stop-shop solution for all segments of the fitness industry.

Founded in Glasgow in 2016, PRIMAL has grown to be one of Europe’s leading strength brands, with recent expansion into Europe, South Africa, and the Middle East. It counts major gym chains and top sports clubs, as well as celebrities and elite athletes, amongst its global client base.

Meanwhile, Indigo Fitness was founded in 1996 and operates from its design and manufacturing site in Nuneaton, Warwickshire. With vast experience across the fitness sector, Indigo Fitness is a solution-led manufacturer of bespoke fitness equipment. Together, both businesses have combined sales of approaching £30m.

The collaboration will provide new and existing clients of both businesses with a greater range of bespoke products and services.

Steven Rinaldi, Founder and CEO of PRIMAL, said: “Even from our early conversations, the synergies in our business outlook and philosophy were clear between PRIMAL and Indigo Fitness.

“Everyone knows our passion for strength and functional training and creating world-leading functional spaces to equip everybody to discover their true strength potential. Together with Indigo Fitness, we can build on our long-standing industry experience and strong client relationships to deliver even more state-of-the-art projects.”

Robert Coleman, Managing Director of Indigo Fitness, said: “We pride ourselves on creating intelligent training spaces for health and fitness facilities, through the design and manufacture of bespoke training equipment made in Britain.

“By partnering with PRIMAL, we can help accommodate more challenging and bespoke design concepts for their client base while elevating our brand on a global scale and offering our clients a greater product range.”

The collaboration was launched at Perform X, the business of fitness event in London on Thursday 21 March with referrals open immediately.

For more information on PRIMAL, please visit primalstrength.com or on Indigo Fitness visit indigofitness.com.

This year PerformX Live is the unmissable business of fitness event. Set against the vibrant backdrop of London’s Tobacco Dock on March 21-22, PerformX Live is ‘The Epicenter of Fitness Evolution’, where industry leaders and visionaries will gather to shape the future of fitness.

Founding partner, IndigoFitness is proud to be part of the show bringing solutions and innovation to the forefront. Contributing to the conversation on longevity and recovery and what this could look like on the gym floor – the central themes of this year’s event. Also 'flexible studios' enhancing the full potential of a studio space.

Here’s a round up of what you can expect if you enter the IndigoFitness room.

Five Things To Do In The IndigoFitness Room At PerformX This Week

1: Optimise your Studio

Across the UK, millions are joining group sessions not only for a good workout but to acquire new skills and forge connections. Is your studio as flexible as it could be?

IndigoFitness create flexible studio spaces that transition between strength, HIIT, combat, cycle, yoga, and every conceivable revenue-generating class—all within one adaptable environment.

In the pursuit of studio optimisation in 2024, don’t just offer a workout but an immersive experience. Let your studio be the focal point of diversity, attracting members with a range of preferences.

IndigoFitness will be showcasing a flexible studio environment that implements multi-use gym studio class concepts. Bring a new level of excitement and experience to your classes!

2: Is there dedicated RECOVERY ON your GYM FLOOR?

Consider this: where do your clients recover after their workout? Are they in the way? Do they jump straight in the car? Or do you offer a designated recovery space within your facility?

In 2024, the fitness landscape is evolving to meet the holistic needs of individuals who seek not only intense training sessions but a lifestyle approach to wellness. Recognising recovery as an integral aspect of the training space is key to unlocking your clients’ full potential, enhancing performance, and minimising the risk of injuries.

“WORK + REST = SUCCESS”

At PerformX Live IndigoFitness will showcase how recovery on the gym floor could look. Make sure to come in for a demo on this new concept that revolutionises the way we perceive recovery.

FYI: We recently released a white paper exploring the transformative role of recovery in the fitness industry. You can download the white paper here.

3: Experience Les Mills Workouts Like Never Before

IndigoFitness and Les Mills recently announced a strategic partnership to revolutionise fitness studios across the UK.

At the core of this partnership is a shared commitment to optimising studio environments to their fullest potential. IndigoFitness and Les Mills recognise the challenges faced by fitness clubs in incorporating diverse equipment and maximising space efficiency while delivering dynamic and engaging classes. Together, they aim to address these challenges, changing the way fitness studios operate and ensuring an unparalleled experience for members.

At PerformX Live, the Les Mills Experience will showcase these brand new modern classes using the IndigoFitness studio solution.

If you would like to get involved - the sessions will shortly be live on the PerformX app to book. Or you can contact us to get booked on.

4: DEMO The Collar-Free Gym

Did you know switching to collar-free gym equipment not only increases safety by 78% but also boosts member satisfaction.

Sindre Rein, Sales Manager @ Gungnir will be in the IndigoFitness room to discuss these results and how it can benefit gym owners and fitness enthusiasts alike.

Every bar from Gungnir will be available to test and demo in the IndigoFitness room.

5: Design Your Dream Gym Space

Since 1996, IndigoFitness has been designing and delivering exceptional training spaces that provide outstanding results for gyms and their members.

The expert team will be on site to create live gym designs at the show, for those looking to transform a training space.

Want to get booked in for a free gym design consultation? Fill out this form: Book a consultation now.

Join IndigoFitness in Room QS 7

IndigoFitness welcomes you to room QS 7 where the future of fitness awaits. Engage with industry experts, experience cutting-edge solutions, and unlock the potential of your fitness business.