An iconic piece of Glasgow’s skyline since 1986 is under threat with plans to build 391 luxury build-to-rent flats on the Nuffield Health, Fitness and Wellbeing site. Not if the More Than a Gym campaign has anything to do with it…
By Tracy Mukherjee Images:Elaine Livingstone
Nuffield Health, Fitness and Wellbeing
The unique facility at Minerva Way has charitable status and offers free health programmes to local community groups. It is a well-equipped fitness complex. There’s a climbing wall, a creche, swimming pools, a female only sauna, a spin studio, fitness studio, a weights area, classes, and a café.
However, there is a favourite resource, one that all members thrive on. At the centre is a 25-year-old community. It’s more than a gym. Making their voices heard are the ‘More Than a Gym’ campaigners. Vicki, Yo and Becky along with members of the gym, local residents and over 2,200 people who have signed a petition fighting to save the space.
Yo explains. ‘The gym is 25 years old. That’s something that should be celebrated,’ she says. ‘When we talk about it being a community, we really mean it. It’s not just for members. There are 270 local children learning to swim here every week.’
Vicki picks up on the breadth of resources at the gym. ‘A gym is what you make it and ours has such diversity. The incredible staff and trainers support over 3,000 people who use the facility and not just for fitness. Young mums put their kids in the creche and have time to themselves, sometimes they just come in to wash their hair.’ There is something for everyone, boxers, weight lifters, yoga, cyclists and more. What makes it so special is the people. 78-year-olds on the climbing wall, couples using the studio to practice wedding dances, and little ones learning to swim. People come to the gym to work out, then decide to have a coffee and a supportive chat. The many, many stories of this welcoming space continue. Will they be enough to convince Glasgow City Council to reconsider the planning proposal?
25 Years of Fitness
Vicki and Yo’s arguments are compelling. ‘We are not against more housing, it needs to be affordable housing to address the housing crisis. The Finnieston area is growing in population, it is already flooded with spaces that have build-to-let flats.’
Vicki says ‘Where will the growing community go for their health and wellbeing? There is no comparison in the area’.
Another confusing aspect of the proposal is GCC’s commitment to promoting fitness, health and wellbeing. With the Commonwealth Games in 2026 and the enormous investment in cycle lanes across the city, the More Than a Gym campaigners feel that taking away a thriving fitness and wellbeing facility really isn’t in line with the ethos the council are promoting.
To celebrate the 25-year community Vicki, Yo and Becky have created the ‘More Than a Gym’ brand which sells branded activewear with profit going to The Beatson Cancer Charity.
In March the SEC will host Hyrox, a fitness event for over 15,000 participants in Glasgow. With the event taking place directly across from the fitness facility under threat, the More Than a Gym campaign will have a further platform to get the word out.
Campaign member, Simon Passmore broke two world records in his age group at last year’s event and did all his training at the gym. Simon is trying to lead by example for the over 50s showing the physical and mental benefits of fitness. He is a European and World champion at Hyrox and currently holds four world records!
He also believes, when it comes to fitness, having trained all over the world, he has never experienced a community like Nuffield Health West End. Because it’s More Than A Gym.
For more information on the campaign visit – morethanagym.co.uk
To support the campaign visit – chng.it/QMKWDdrmXW
Return to Travel and Leisure Articles
