Elgin Anytime Fitness members seek answers after premises emptied ahead of reopening date
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A MEMBER of an Elgin gym today said users have been left "in the dark" after the apparent removal of all fitness equipment from its premises.
Worried paying members of Anytime Fitness at Elgin Retail Park, on Edgar Road, took to social media to try to get answers ahead of its anticipated reopening on Monday, April 26, following lockdown closure.
A barrage of questions were prompted on social media after one member highlighted that all fitness equipment had been removed from the currently closed premises without warning or explanation.
It is claimed the premises has also been emptied of office equipment, tables and chairs, and television screens, with only the carpets remaining.
Management at the gym has assured users it is working hard to resolve the situation and that its head office would email all Elgin members today.
Anytime Fitness operates under a franchise business model. It has more than 4,500 clubs in 35 countries.
The Northern Scot has tried without success to contact the franchise owner of the 5000sq ft space in Elgin, Chris McIntyre.
The email sent by Anytime Fitness head office to Elgin members today said the club was undergoing a transition of franchisee.
The 24-hour gym – to which members could let themselves in at any point in the day using a special key fob – opened in August 2016.
One member today praised the staff at the gym but said the situation on reopening and membership fees was still unclear after receiving the "vague" email from head office.
The member said: "We're all expecting it to reopen on April 26, when gyms are supposed to be open.
"The email from head office is pretty general. It just says there's a change of franchisee and they are working with the landlords to try and resolve it, but there's no information on what's going to happen with our membership fees, so we're still in the dark.
"We don't know whether the gym will reopen. If it doesn't reopen, will we be able to get our money back?"
Anytime Fitness Elgin club manager Lisa Clarkson said staff were upset by the situation.
She said: "I value each and every one of our members here at Anytime Fitness Elgin.
"I have worked so hard in turning the gym around recently and to have a 800 member base is fantastic. The support we have had during lockdown has been incredible.
"I am deeply saddened by the current situation and I am fighting as hard as I possibly can to get the gym reopened.
"I have spent all yesterday and today speaking to members about the situation and assured them I really am doing everything I possibly can.
"Myself, my staff and all members feel very upset for what has happened to us.
"There has been a email sent out from head office today explaining we are currently negotiating a strong resolution with the landlord and as soon as we have a update all members will be informed.
"I have received nothing but praise and support from all members since this situation has happened and I truly cannot thank each of them enough."
The email from head office to members reads: "Anytime Fitness is a franchise business, and we are writing to inform you that the Anytime Fitness Elgin club is currently undergoing a transition of franchisee.
"As such, we are working with the landlord of the property and negotiating a strong resolution. As soon as we have further information, we shall communicate with you immediately.
"We want to thank each member of Anytime Fitness Elgin for supporting the club throughout lockdown. Your membership will stay on the system frozen at no cost until we resolve this situation and again, we will communicate further when we have more information."
