Armoury booming after take-over

Eye brows were raised when it was announced the Armoury had been sold late last year and was expecting to reopen with a complete refit, but the early signs are good for its new owners.

 

The aging facility was losing Welshpool tax payers an estimated £50,000 per year before local lad Chris Stephens assumed control in a joint venture with the Town Council.

 

And he appears to have turned it around with his inductions book bursting at the seams as an average of 25 new gym members sign up every week.

 

“The first month has gone really well,” he said: We are averaging about 25 new Gym members a week and the free weights area in particular has been very popular.

 

“The feedback has been brilliant. Lots of people are making the same comment that ‘this is just what Welshpool needs’ and I have the staff cleaning the equipment regular which has given us a lot of good feedback.”

 

Mr Stephens has invested considerably in turning the old facility into a state-of-the-art gymnasium and health centre and is looking forward to a new phase of expansion with more classes about to start.

 

“We had a Circuit class start yesterday (Thursday) and Zumba Dancing will start on March 2,” he said. “We are also looking to start a Street Dance class in March. We also have fully qualified personal trainers offering one-to-one training or group training.”

 

So far, two full time staff and four part time staff have been recruited and The Armoury also calls on self employed staff as and when they are required.