More than 350 sport and fitness facilities have opened in London since the city was awarded this year’s Olympics back in 2005, according to new research.
Drivers Jonas Deloitte’s Sports Crane Survey shows that, of the total number of completions, 100 were new developments, with the remainder extensions to existing facilities or refurbishments. The pace of openings has accelerated recently, with the number of new sites increasing every year since 2008.
The report shows that around two-thirds of the new sites have been privately funded, including almost all of those that were completed in 2011. In addition, 35 publically-funded sites have opened since 2006, and six of the 18 due to open this year will have public money behind them.
The gym sector is highlighted as a growth area with around 7,500 new exercise stations opening since 2006, of which 2,000 opened in 2011, with 76% in the budget sector. Gyms and dance studios made up 67% of London’s new sports and fitness facilities opened between 2009 to 2011.
Anthony Duggan, head of research at Drivers Jonas Deloitte, said: “As the population of London shifts towards the east, new provision will be required in this area. The good news about provision needs to be matched with a boost in participation rates. These have been almost static over the past few years. London 2012 provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to kickstart this change, and our research shows that better facilities and infrastructure are in place to cater for a post-Games increase in demand.”
daniel.cunningham@estatesgazette.com
