URBAN SPLASH has let its 20,000 sq ft Matchbox building in Garston to Dutch gym operator Fit For Free.

The Matchbox is part of Urban Splash’s Matchworks site in South Liverpool.

Fit For Free is opening its first UK low-cost health and fitness club at the site and will employ 25 people.

Chief executive Walter Faulstroh said: “We are very much looking forward to launching our UK operations and in addition to the Matchbox building, we will be launching 20 gyms throughout the UK in the near future.

“The site was right for us because of the design of the building, the location and the imminent audience already at the site.

“We’re certain it’s going to be a great success and are very proud to demonstrate that an amazing gym experience using the latest equipment and classes.

“We consider this to be our flagship site in the UK.”

Managing the deal through the process was former Urban Splash associate director Lynn Haime who introduced Fit For Free to the company.

She has since left Urban Splash start her own property consultancy but her involvement saw the deal over the line.

She added: “This is a huge vote of confidence for the Liverpool commercial market and a great addition to the Matchworks estate.”

The Matchbox, with its glass facade, sits in a prominent position in Speke Road.

It was designed by Liverpool based architects Shed KM and has already won two awards – a Roses design accolade and an award from Move Commercial, taking the total awards for the Matchworks scheme to five with a RIBA Award for Architecture, a Civic Trust Award and an LADT Award 2002, Partnership Award all already presented to the scheme.

Urban Splash director Nathan Cornish said: “The Fit For Free gym will be a fantastic facility for the hundreds of people already working at the site as well as the surrounding community who’ll benefit from this large, affordable facility.”