A popular gym in Sydney’s sought-after eastern suburbs has closed its doors as global fitness chain F45 faces continued financial pressure.
In an email to members on Friday, management at F45 Coogee announced the gym would cease trading before the end of May.
Staff thanked the local community for their patronage over eight years but said it had “become clear” they could not continue to operate.
“It is sad for us to see this chapter come to an end,” the email said.
‘It is not lost on us how wonderful this particular community is.
F45 Coogee closure notice. Image: Supplied
“Due to some building compliance and noise mitigation issues that we have been experiencing for quite some time, it has become clear that we cannot continue to operate effectively and efficiently within our existing facilities and will need to close the current doors as they are. “We are aware of this as we look at other locations in Coogee as potential options.”
All active gym memberships will be canceled on May 24 and members will be offered discounts to join two local private gyms.
Members were also encouraged to follow the gym on social media and the statement hinted at a possible revival.
“There will be more announcements soon about new and exciting opportunities… It’s not goodbye, but see you soon,” it said.
The shocking closure comes as fitness chain F45, backed by Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg, faces continued pressure to downsize.
F45 CEO Tom Dowd, left, with actor Dwayne Johnson. Image: Twitter
In February, management at F45 Alexandria, in Sydney’s south, announced it would also close its doors.
F45 CEO Tom Dowd told several media outlets late last year that the company would need to “shrink to grow.”
“If we need to lose unproductive locations to add value to existing ones, I don’t care,” he told Leisure Opportunities.
‘In the future we are going to be very tactical and intelligent in terms of growth. It won’t be “sell and forget” like it was before.’