Oxygen Freejumping, has reached a landmark deal with Lucozade Powerleague to acquire five sites in total, comprising 162,000 sq ft of trampoline parks throughout the UK.
Following these latest deals, Oxygen, which opened in West Acton and Southampton in 2015, is now the largest trampoline operator in the UK. The company is also set to close a significant funding round in the next few weeks in order to support further growth to circa 15 sites this year.
The five Lucozade Powerleague sites, located in Derby, Wigan, Blackburn, North Shields and Trafford Park, Manchester, will be operational by the end of the Summer.
West Acton is already well ahead of projected targets and over 120,000 visitors attended the park in the last six months. Oxygen is set to repeat such success at these new sites, which will all become unique leisure locations with football, fitness and freejumping on offer. The sites have been acquired through sub-divisions of the Soccer Domes and will sit alongside Lucozade Power League’s current offer.
David Stalker, CEO of Oxygen Freejumping comments, “We have two further sites in solicitors hands and are looking for 18-50,000 sq ft in key locations throughout the market. Our health and safety record is exceptional and we are the premium operator in the market.
“The five Powerleague sites provide us with greater scope to expand the brand and to bring our blend of freejumping, running, fitness and fun to five new areas of the country. We work with schools, gymnastics clubs and with James Bond villain and freerunning pioneer Sébastien Foucan. However our parks are truly for everyone. Freejumping is easier to do but impossible to master and it always brings a smile to your face no matter how old you are.”
The highly experienced Oxygen Freejumping team includes: Fred Turok, former CEO and Chair of LA Fitness; David Stalker, former CEO ukactive; and Stephen Philpot, former CEO Places for People and MD of David Lloyd. Between them they have opened 400 UK fitness and leisure clubs.
Rob Howarth of JLL, who acted for Oxygen, comments, “The sector is extremely competitive as trampolining grows in popularity. Competition for sites is similar to the early growth of the budget health and fitness market circa five years ago. But just as we saw back then, one or two operators are emerging streaks ahead of the pack and will gain the biggest share of the market.
“Oxygen Freejumping offers a premium leisure offer and has significant funding in place, as well as offering value for money to its customer. Oxygen spends on average twice as much on their fit out as other operators and it shows. West Acton and Southampton are trading exceptionally well and we are looking for units with 6m high eaves within retail and leisure parks or roadside and warehouse sites.”
The five Lucozade Powerleague sites comprise: Derby 30,000 sq ft; Blackburn 35,000 sq ft; Trafford Park (next to Chill Factor and intu Trafford Centre) 32,500 sq ft; North Shields 33,000 sq ft; and Wigan 31,000 sq ft. Most of the units have been acquired as a sub-let from DW Sports on a 15 year lease. Average rents are £7.65 per sq ft and represents an annual investment of £1.2 million.
