Future of popular Mansfield gym unclear despite Mike Ashley buying DW Fitness

DW Sports, founded by former Wigan Athletic owner Dave Whelan, went into administration earlier this month after the Covid-19 pandemic cut its income short and was forced to close 73 gyms and 75 stores around the UK impacting thousands of jobs.

Members of DW Fitness First Mansfield were informed of the gym’s closure on Tuesday, August 4 after the future viability of the DW Sports business had become materially uncertain due to the enforced closure of both the gym portfolio and the stores.

But now Sports Direct and Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley has snapped up the fitness company in a deal reportedly worth around £37 million and will operate the company under his SDI Fitness brand, which is part of Frasers Group PLC.

However, the gym located at the Portland Retail Park, in Mansfield, looks set to remain closed after it wasn’t included on a list of gyms that will reopen.

DW Fitness sent a message to members which said: “Once again thank you for your loyalty and custom over the years and good luck for the future in achieving all of your fitness goals.”

This new deal includes the DW gym and fitness business as well as some of its stock but not the DW brand name.

A reported 920 jobs are set to be saved with the new deal coming into place.

The Chad has approached Mike Ashley’s team for a comment.