The former Royal Canadian Legion building in Kimberley was purchased by Kent and Aaron Lees, owners of the Sullivan Pub, shortly after the Legion Branch closed. However, aside from an exterior facelift, the building has sat empty for three years.
That is about to change.
“We have had a lot of people asking us what we are dong with the Legion building so we thought we’d better get the word out,” Kent said.
And that word, or words, is fitness centre.
The Lees have been working on a business plan for several years, visiting fitness centres around the province to see what works and what doesn’t.
“We were working on gym layout and design with a company out of Vancouver, when we found out Black Bear was opening up a gym, so we shelved the idea,” Kent said. “We didn’t want to be the second one in.”
But things have changed the Lees brothers have decided the time is right, now that Black Bear is closed and Curves as well.
A manager and fitness trainer, Chris Finlin has been hired. Chris is a registered massage therapist and a registered fitness trainer. He knows a little something about training, having trained for the Olympic in speed skating. He is anxious to get started.
The building itself is perfect for a fitness centre, Kent says. It’s accessible, has plenty of parking and is built of solid concrete, which will allow for heavy workouts.
“If your workout involves throwing a medicine ball or tractor tires, this building can take it,” Kent said.
“It’s nicely laid out with a hallway so people won’t be walking right into your workout, so you can concentrate on what you are doing and not be interrupted.”
The layout allows for a ladies only section, as well as a coed. The building is 6,000 square feet, with 1,000 square feet dedicated to a studio space for classes.
There are further plans for a juice bar and possibly virtual golf in the winter.
The fitness centre will open in two to three months.
“We don’t want to open until we can show a finished product,” Kent said.
When it does open, the business will offer memberships or drop in rates, classes and personal training.
Stay tuned, fitness lovers.