Dean Clough proves flexible with gymnastic club deal

Dean Clough, the 22-acre mill-complex in Halifax town centre, has secured a deal to let an 8,146 sq ft space on a 15-year lease to a fast-growing gymnastics club.

[jim-nas-tiks] is the latest new occupier to take space at Dean Clough, further expanding its mixed-use proposition that already combines office space and retail/leisure amenities with diverse arts and cultural attractions.

Formerly known as Matt’s Gym Club which operated at Trinity Academy in Halifax, [jim-nas-tiks] was evolved following the pandemic lock down by former Great Britain Gymnast and national number two, Matthew Brooks and his wife Kirsty. With 560 existing members, the new space will allow further growth with the very latest Olympic standard equipment and expert tuition.

The concept of [jim-nas-tiks] is focused around providing non-competitive physical activity to allow young people to thrive and improve their self-esteem, happiness, and confidence. The name itself relates to how children would spell by phonics and the brand positioning uses stick people to demonstrate activities.

The deal has been made possible thanks to the flexibility of the landlord, Dean Clough Limited, which has shared the £150,000 fit out costs with Matthew and Kirsty.

The listed building, which required planning consent for change of use had been unused for a number of years. Major works include structural alterations, new access routes to car parking, external fascia cleaning and significant internal installations including a new split-level floor.

Matthew Brooks said: “We are so excited to be able to open a bigger and better [jim-nas-tiks] at Dean Clough. Never in our dreams could we have imagined being able to secure a space in such an established place within a vibrant community.

“The fact that the landlord has offered great flexibility, and even shared the costs for fit out, shows that they are also invested in making our venture a success and can see the value of our offer to the existing Dean Clough community.

“We hope to be able to grow our membership by 30-50 per cent over time and will offer the facility for private hire and children’s parties as well as a broad range of classes for all levels of ability. Our new space will also include a spectator’s area, café and engaging vintage display.

“We want kids to come to [jim-nas-tiks] because they love it, not because they get medals, certificates, or badges. We use gymnastics as a tool to boost children’s self-esteem and confidence whilst also improving fitness and strength. Hopefully the experience they have with us will stay with them for the rest of their lives.”

Jeremy Hall, chairman and managing director at Dean Clough Ltd, said: “We are delighted to share the news that [jim-nas-tiks] is joining the family here at Dean Clough. Whilst much of our space has been transformed to offer high quality workspace of various sizes and flexible terms, we are always mindful of providing a good balance of amenity for not just our occupiers, but also the wider Halifax community.

“This is the second deal in as many weeks at Dean Clough as the UK largest online florist Prestige Gifting, agreed a deal to expand its headquarters into a fantastic new 9,677 space here. We have also welcomed six small business occupiers in recent months with nearly 10,000 sq ft of space under offer.

Dean Clough Ltd continues to invest in the site to deliver new Grade A office accommodation alongside the unique spaces for retail, leisure, and cultural amenity. This includes the introduction of flexible workspaces, unique outdoor pods with enhanced public realm, and the redevelopment of an historic courtyard.

“Current works include the redevelopment of five floors in Bowling Mill to provide new Grade A office accommodation offering space from 3,366 sq ft up to 54,768 sq ft.”

Dean Clough is an important heritage collection of 16 mill buildings stretching over half a mile to accommodate three quarters of a million sq ft of workspace.

They were originally constructed between 1840 and 1870 by the Crossley family, who founded Crossley Carpets in 1822 and soon became the largest carpet manufacturer in the world. The subsequent decline in the textile industry forced closure in 1982 after which the complex was purchased privately for redevelopment.

Since acquiring the historic site nearly 40 years ago, Dean Clough Limited has already invested tens of millions to fund the regionally significant regeneration project. Through long term investment and considered curation Dean Clough has since become a major success story for Halifax, Leeds City Region, and indeed Yorkshire with a diverse hub for 150 businesses employing around 3,000 people.

It is a destination known for its diversity, being home to a range of small independent businesses through to large enterprises such as Covea Insurance. An established arts and cultural offering includes a theatre with two resident theatre companies, six galleries with a permanent art collection on display as well as a dedicated arts mill with studios.

Dean Clough is located on the edge of Halifax town centre, between Leeds and Manchester, and just 15 minutes from the M62 with direct train links to Leeds, Manchester, and London.