ukactive veterans David Stalker and Fred Turok are aiming to stay anything but grounded as they prepare for life after the physical activity organisation, by embarking on a mission to create a nationwide trampolining empire.
The project, which
Stalker first revealed to
Health Club Management last month, will see the pair helm wall-to-wall trampolining concept Altitude, with plans to open a minimum of 12 sites across the UK over the next two years.
The duo have already raised in excess of £2.5m for the venture, with support from both Radius Equity and Jacaranda Capital Partners. The first Altitude site has been secured in West Acton – anticipated to open in summer 2015 – followed by a planned second park in November 2015.
Outgoing ukactive chair Turok and CEO Stalker
(who is due to leave in June) will replicate these roles in their new business. With Altitude, they will seek to mirror the success witnessed in the US and Australia markets, where more than 350 trampoline parks have sprung up following their first launch in 2004.
“We see a terrific opportunity not only to create the next successful evolution in leisure, but to also assist in our long held quest to make Britain healthier,” said Turok, citing NASA research which found 10 minutes bouncing on a trampoline is a better cardiovascular workout than 33 minutes of running.
“There are obvious health benefits and parks are proven overseas to be commercially viable on a big scale. We now have our funding in place, our operations are being developed and we are excited for a successful rollout which will see a fitter Britain and a commercial success in the making.”
Each Altitude park will be in the range of 20,000 to 40,000sq ft and will comprise more than 100 trampolines, allowing participants to bounce of the walls and floors. Altitude will cater for all ages and abilities as participants will be able to try a wide range of activities including Parkour, gymnastics, and boutique fitness classes. Each park will also collaborate with local schools to offer children’s activities, holiday camps and parties.
