
(London, UK) Equinox, the upscale fitness and lifestyle leader in the US is set to open its
first club in the UK at the iconic 32,000 sq. ft former Rainbow Room site, located below
Kensington Roof Gardens in London. The club is planned to open in the autumn of 2012. Cushman
& Wakefield has been advising Equinox on its UK expansion.
Founded in 1991, with national headquarters in New York, Equinox currently operates 56 clubs in
the US with a collection of trophy properties including clubs in the Time Warner Center and
Rockefeller Center in New York City, as well as on Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills,
Michigan Avenue in Chicago and in the heart of Miami's South Beach.
The newest fitness club slated to open in London will be the company's first international
location. Equinox is known for their commitment to lifestyle, hospitality, innovative
programming, award-winning design and an unwavering commitment to the member experience.
Equinox aims to meet the needs of the most discerning tastes; they cater to leaders of industry
- from finance to fashion - clientele who are accustomed to only the most outstanding quality
and service.
"We have been evaluating the London market for a number of years waiting for the right
opportunity to enter with a flagship. We are confident that 99 Kensington High Street is that
flagship location - the Equinox space is unique, the building is iconic, and the trade area is
a vibrant transportation hub with upscale retail and strong residential and office
demographics. We continue to explore opportunities in several additional neighborhoods
throughout London," says Jeffrey Weinhaus, EVP of development for Equinox.
"Equinox is a highly regarded brand in the U.S. and we're excited to be bringing it to
the UK. The clubs typically attract high-end customers and for that reason, the former Rainbow
Room site in Kensington, with its residential catchment and unique interior, is ideal. We are
looking for additional sites in London, around 25-50,000 sq ft, in affluent office and
residential areas," says Matt Hyland, Partner at Cushman & Wakefield.
CONTACT: Anna Sargent +44 (0)20 7152 5157/ +44 (0)7793 808 157/
anna.sargent@eur.cushwake.com
Judy Taylor 212-774-6330/ Judith.taylor@equinox.com