Stanway gym to open inside former Chiquito restaurant

Fitness expert Carl Black, 34, will open Jetts gym with his business partner in the former Chiquito restaurant at Tollgate West, Stanway, in May.

Carl has spent 15 years in the fitness and nutrition sectors working as a personal trainer and in senior roles in general management and marketing.

Progressing - Carl on the site during construction (Image: Tollgate Partnership Limited)

He said: “We have been looking for the perfect site since before the Covid pandemic.

“We love the iconic building with its glass rotunda and the busy location at the gateway to the Tollgate Village site.

“Colchester is a fast-growing city with so many houses being built so the potential is here and it is a good fit for us as we both live in Essex.”

The transformation of the building includes the installation of a mezzanine floor in the distinctive glass-fronted part of the building.

Delighted - Carl is looking forward to opening the gym in Tollgate (Image: Tollgate Partnership Limited)

This will house cardio-vascular equipment so gym users can work out with a view.

A courtyard will allow members to work out in the open air.

Carl added: “I was impressed by Jetts when travelling in Australia and when deciding to open a club, Jetts was the first name that came to mind.

Stylish - An inside look at the gym (Image: Tollgate Partnership Limited)

“You get the Aussie mentality which is really nice; chilled, laid back, but they are on it at the same time.”