nadger 8 or 9
Equinox, the American fitness chain used by celebrity Paris Hilton, is to open its first club in the UK this autumn.
Equinox is to open 32,000 sq ft at the former Rainbow Room site, located below Kensington Roof Gardens at 99 Kensington High Street, W8.
Founded in 1991, Equinox operates 56 clubs in the US with a collection of trophy properties including clubs in the Time Warner Center and Rockefeller Center in New York City, as well as on Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills, Michigan Avenue in Chicago and in the heart of Miami’s South Beach.
It is looking for additional sites of around 25-50,000 sq ft in affluent office and residential areas in London.
Jeffrey Weinhaus, executive vice-president of development for Equinox, said: “We have been evaluating the London market for a number of years waiting for the right opportunity to enter with a flagship. We are confident that 99 Kensington High Street is that flagship location – the Equinox space is unique, the building is iconic, and the trade area is a vibrant transportation hub with upscale retail and strong residential and office demographics.”
Cushman & Wakefield is advising Equinox.
Annabel.dixon@estatesgazette.com
