BROMSGROVE’S Altered Images gym which has been in the town for more than 30 years is set to close this evening.
In a letter to members from owners Laura and Paul Costello, the pair said ‘the closure decision, which brings to an end three decades of improving the health and wellbeing of Bromsgrove people, was taken with heavy hearts and a great deal of sadness’.
They added all options to continue had been exhausted and they had been left with no choice.
Reasons for shutting
Among the reasons for shutting were ‘crippling energy costs’, accusing the power company of failing to pass on the full extent of the government’s Business Energy Support Scheme over the winter. They added they had been offered another tariff which was worse than their current one.
They also added that with no tenant to operate the gym anymore and to account for 20 per cent VAT on all membership fees, everyone’s monthly subscription would need to be increased by between £18 and £25 so the company could stay afloat.
Lisa and Paul, in the letter, also said the cost-of-living crisis had taken its toll – since Covid, member numbers had been at their lowest ever.
“Member feedback has been clear that a significant number of you given the current cost of living issues we’re all facing would not want to pay close to £50 per month for an off-peak membership and approaching £70 per month for an anytime membership, for our current facilities and with no improvement/reinvestment in return, which is entirely understandable.”
Paul added: “The stark reality we face is that Lisa and I can no longer continue to subsidise running the club when it is losing thousands of pounds each month, as we have been doing since Christmas, and so we must face the reality that Altered Images’ story, and the Bromsgrove Wellness element of that journey must now finally come to an end next week.”
Thanks to staff
He thanked Emma and her team for all they had done – from front desk staff and cleaning team to fitness instructors and the GroupEx partners who delivered the best classes.
“Part of us wants to celebrate all the great things we have achieved over the years, but there is just too much disappointment and sadness at the moment to do this.”
The physio clinic is continuing and a new smaller location was being sought to run it from.
The club shuts at 9pm tonight (Thursday), members’ refunds – if they are due one – will be processed through their chosen payment method.
Anyone wanting to contact Lisa and Ppaul should email [email protected]
