As part of the University of Brighton’s Big Build initiative, an ambitious new gym and fitness facility has opened at its Moulsecoomb campus. Head of Sport, Barry Squires, explains how the vision was brought to life.
The university’s 2025 strategy includes relocating several schools across its campuses, including the School of Sport and Health Sciences moving to Falmer in 2024. It’s a critical time for Sport Brighton and the School of Sport and Health Sciences as they collaborate closely on improving the student experience.
“With Moulsecoomb set to be a key site with over 6,500 students present, we needed to improve provision as soon as possible”, said Barry. “This new gym and fitness facility became part of a masterplan to transform the local area and create a new gateway into the city.”
Creating a destination facility to inspire physical activity
Sport Brighton wanted to create a space that catered for current and future student fitness trends. The fit-out brief drew on elements from boutique gyms, basement functional aesthetics, and Brighton culture. This resulted in a space with unique touches like such as panel lighting and feature walls by graffiti artist Aroeart.
The gym is zoned into distinct areas - resistance strength training, free weights, power, functional, cardio and a turf track area - each identified with striking tube lighting, plus a large studio which opens out onto the gym floor via bifold doors.
“We’ve created an inviting, functional, trendy space that is quite unique,” said Barry. “I believe you can create a unique, inspiring space with any budget if you plan carefully with the support of expert partners who understand what you want to achieve.”
Technogym partner support on design, digital, and equipment
Sport Brighton worked with Technogym to design and equip the new space, choosing equipment and digital features appropriate for student university sports, elite sports, social and participation, and international students as well as staff and local community users.
Technogym helped Sport Brighton to understand the student experience, suggesting on equipment and layout to create a user journey through the space.
“We have a long-standing relationship with Technogym,” said Barry. “Their equipment and digital offering are the best on the market, and they deliver great service support and sector advice. Most crucially their understanding of trends was invaluable in helping us create a future-proofed space for students.”
Equipment to maximise space and create flow
The previous student-only gym space was unable to provide the required access and experience for Moulsecoomb campus students. The ambitious upgrade was part of the University of Brighton’s Big Build Project, a phased development scheme bringing together services for a more efficient student experience.
The Moulsecoomb gym was kitted out with state-of-the-art cardio equipment including Excite Live which allows for tailored training inspiring students, and the community, to personalise their cardio workouts, embrace exercise and make it part of their daily life to achieve results in a fun, and motivating way.
Skill line was implemented across the innovative gym providing high-quality performance workouts, the kit allows members to train all areas.
The studio space - which can be opened up to the main gym area - features Technogym Group Cycle Connect, an advanced digital solution that offers the option of virtual classes as well as live instructor-led sessions. This has helped Sport Brighton operate a low staffing model with long opening hours, maximising studio use during traditionally quieter times.
“We knew from feedback in our other facilities that the studio space had to be multifunctional,” said Barry. “Lots of members choose to take kit into the studio space, and we’re now considering splitting the studio in two so we can have a class running whilst retaining space for those who want to train in there.”
Digital solutions to support member wellness outcomes
Sport Brighton opted to use Technogym Mywellness to allow members to book classes, track their activity and engage with Technogym training content. Mywellness helps Barry and his team monitor gym use across different demographics and engage with users to boost retention.
Sport Brighton's Moulsecoomb gym and fitness has exceeded targets for membership uptake across all demographics. Barry and his team have had positive feedback from prospective students and parents on open days, and community members have noted how different it is to any local gyms.
“We are proud of our student centric experience whilst offering the very best equipment in a motivating environment,” said Barry. “The new gym and studio is helping more people get fit and active whatever their journey, which is a key aim for Sport Brighton.”
