DW Sports gym in Derry to close down this evening

It is understood that gym members were informed of the decision on Monday.

Meanwhile the retail outlet on the same site at Crescent Link Retail park will close at the end of August, with a closing down sale now in operation.

In a statement the company said: “DW Sports has announced it is restructuring its gym and retail portfolio, and has appointed Administrators.

“As a result of this seven DW Sports stores in Northern Ireland will be closing down. The stores will close at the end of August – with a closing down sale starting immediately. These stores are Ballymena, Bangor, Belfast Boucher Road, Belfast Donegall Place, Coleraine, Londonderry and Newtownabbey.

“The Bangor and Shawsbridge gyms will remain open and trading throughout August and it is the intention of the company to work with the Administrators to ensure the sites remain operational in the long term. As part of the administration the gyms in Belfast (Boucher Road), Londonderry and Newtownabbey will close on August 4.

“Like many retailers, in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and trends in consumer online spending habits the whole DW Sports Retail estate has been reviewed and all DW Sports retail stores will close. The DW Sports website has ceased trading.”

Martin Long, Group CEO, said: “This has clearly been a very difficult decision for the business, especially in Northern Ireland where we have become a real part of the sporting community and we thank the staff and our customers for the many years we have enjoyed here.

“Our commitment as part of the Gym Sector across Northern Ireland to support the health and the fitness of the nation has not changed, and we remain committed to ensuring our members maintain their fitness goals with us where possible.”

DW Sports is the trading name of Dave Whelan Sports Limited.

In the run up to the Administration, DW Sports operated 75 stores and a trading website, together with 73 gyms.

25 DW Sports retail sites have now closed and the remaining sites will continue to trade under the Administration subject to stock remaining available

Of the 73 gym locations, 59 gyms are trading today in England and Northern Ireland, there are a further 14 gyms in England, Scotland and Wales which are not yet able to open due to Government restrictions in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

Fitness First Clubs are owned and operated by Fitness First Clubs Limited which is unaffected by the Administration of DW Sports.