A new independent gym branded ‘Forged’ has agreed a 10-year lease for a 4,700sq ft unit at Middlewood Locks, the award-winning £1bn mixed-use development at the gateway to Salford and Manchester city centre. The new gym will open in January 2027 and serve members seven days a week.
This is the first location for Forged gym, which is being established by Middlewood Locks resident Sam Benjamin, a former professional rugby player and entrepreneur who owns Tap House in Manchester and bars in Nottingham. Passionate about fitness and healthy living, Sam recognised the commercial units’ potential for a high-quality local training facility while passing them each day as he walked to work.
The unit forms part of Railings, the recently completed third phase of homes and commercial space at Middlewood Locks. The phase includes four units totalling nearly 10,000sq ft for which there has been significant interest with further announcements about occupiers expected soon.
The privately owned and operated gym supports Middlewood Locks’ approach to attracting independent businesses and will complement existing amenities, including the Co-op convenience store and 92 Degrees coffee shop.
Designed as a dedicated strength-training facility, Forged will focus entirely on training, with a contemporary fit-out which includes showers and changing facilities.
The machine floor will feature gym80 Pure Kraft plate-loaded and Sygnum selectorised ‘state-of-the-art’ equipment, alongside a GluteBuilder zone with eight dedicated pieces. Exigo racks, benches and platforms, together with Forge Strength plates, dumbbells and utilities, will complete the training offer. There will also be personal training sessions available.
Forged will place a strong emphasis on creating a welcoming environment for the community, with a programme of social events planned, including ‘Beer & Barbell’ and ‘Summer Socials’.
