Business · 4 min read · Updated 6 November 2026
New gym unit fit-out: what must be ready before equipment arrives
Check the planning use first
In England, gyms generally fall within Use Class E(d), indoor sport, recreation or fitness, introduced in September 2020. Class E also includes shops, offices, cafes and many other commercial uses, so moving a gym into a former shop or office is often possible without a change of use application. However, some buildings have planning conditions restricting how they can be used or the hours of operation, and industrial units in Class B2 or B8 are not in Class E. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own use class systems. Check the planning history before you sign a lease.
Power for cardio equipment
Commercial treadmills, ellipticals and powered bikes often need their own dedicated circuit or a set number of machines per circuit, as specified by the manufacturer. Some higher-spec treadmills need a 16 amp or 20 amp supply. Plan socket positions from your layout so machines are not trailing leads across walkways, and put cardio in rows where floor boxes or wall sockets can serve them.
- Get the electrical specification from each machine's manual
- Plan circuits and socket positions around the layout
- Use floor boxes where machines sit away from walls
- Allow for screens, sound systems, lighting and air handling
- Test and certify the installation before equipment arrives
Flooring before equipment
Flooring should be fully laid and, if bonded, the adhesive cured before heavy kit is placed on it. If rubber tiles are being lifted from the old site and relaid, mark out the layout first so cardio, functional and free-weight zones fit properly. Free-weight and lifting areas usually need thicker tiles or platforms. Protect the finished floor during the move with boards or sheets along the route.
| Area | Typical flooring | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cardio | 10 to 15 mm rubber | Level surface, cable management |
| Resistance machines | 15 to 20 mm rubber | Spreads machine foot loads |
| Free weights | 20 to 40 mm rubber or acoustic tiles | Dropped dumbbells and plates |
| Lifting platforms | Platforms or 40 mm plus | Olympic lifting and deadlifts |
| Functional and turf | Sports turf over shockpad | Sled pushes, mobility and classes |
Ventilation, temperature and lighting
A full gym generates a lot of heat and moisture. The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 require a reasonable temperature and effective ventilation for staff, and members expect it too. Air conditioning or mechanical ventilation is often installed during fit-out. Lighting should be bright and even, without glare on mirrors and screens. These works involve ceilings and walls, so they should be finished before equipment is installed.
Fire safety and layout
Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the responsible person must carry out a fire risk assessment for the new premises. The layout must keep escape routes, fire doors and exits clear, which affects where machines can go. Allow clear walkways between machines, typically recommended at around 0.5 to 1 metre depending on the equipment, and keep treadmill run-off zones free. Finalise the layout drawing and share it with the movers before move day, with each machine numbered.
Access and deliveries at the new unit
Getting equipment into the new unit is part of the fit-out plan, not an afterthought. Check the delivery route from the road to the gym floor: loading bay or parking for a large vehicle, ramps or steps, door widths, lift size and rated load, and any shared corridors. Retail and shopping centre units may only allow deliveries at set times, often early morning or after closing, and may need booking through centre management.
- Measure doors, corridors and lifts against the largest machines
- Confirm delivery hours and any centre or landlord rules
- Arrange parking or a loading bay for the vehicle
- Plan where packaging and waste will go on the day
- Protect new floors, walls and doors along the route
If new equipment is being delivered alongside relocated kit, coordinate the suppliers and the mover so they are not competing for the same lift and loading bay.
The final checks
- Floor finished, cured and protected
- Electrics installed, tested and certified
- Ventilation, lighting and heating working
- Fire risk assessment and layout drawing complete
- Goods-in route, lift and loading bay booked and measured
- Bins, waste and packaging removal arranged
- Wi-fi and access control in place if machines need to connect
- Building insurance and contents cover active from the move date
If a few of these slip, talk to your mover about a phased delivery. Moving free weights and storage first, for example, while waiting for electrics, can still keep the opening date on track.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need planning permission to open a gym in a former shop?
In England, often not, because shops and gyms both fall within Use Class E. However, planning conditions on the building, such as restricted opening hours or specific use limitations, can still apply, and listed buildings or flats above may raise other issues. Check the planning history with the council and your solicitor before signing the lease.
What power does a commercial treadmill need?
Requirements vary by make and model, so check the manufacturer's installation guide. Many commercial treadmills need a dedicated circuit, and some higher-powered models need a 16 amp or 20 amp supply rather than a standard socket. A qualified electrician should design the circuits around your layout and certify the installation before equipment is plugged in.
Can equipment be delivered before the fit-out is finished?
It can, but it is usually a false economy. Equipment delivered into a unit where floors, electrics or ceilings are still being worked on often has to be moved again, risks being damaged or covered in dust, and can slow trades down. If dates are tight, ask about phased delivery or short-term storage until the unit is ready.
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