Melbourne’s flex zone: This street is a paradise for healthy people

Up Climbing owner Dale Barnett is one of the new arrivals adding to the number along William Street. Since it was opened four weeks ago, at a cost of 1.5 million dollars, this place has more than 500 square meters of walls.

Barnett says William Street is a rare pocket in the City of Port Phillip that has been zoned for industrial use, making the street an attractive location for gyms that require large open spaces.

“It’s funny that we are all on this street. I think most streets in Melbourne can’t support six gyms, but if you have a small street with six different gyms…

“I think it’s a good thing for us, the way we see all the other gyms is a good thing.

It brings young, active people to the street, and people who go to Fitness First or Anytime Fitness will walk by and say, ‘Climbing, fitness.’ I refuse to try to do that.’

City of Port Phillip chief executive Chris Carroll says exercise options along William Street add to the vibrancy of the area.

As with other inner Melbourne municipalities, parking is very necessary in this area. We use parking restrictions to encourage cash flow so that as many people as possible have access to parking spaces. The council staff also regularly patrols the resident permit area to prevent gym goers from parking there,” he said.

With Balaclava Station nearby, and tram options close to Carlisle Street, a lack of parking has never deterred health and wellness businesses. There seems to be a synergy among the tenants on William Street and Barnett says it’s about creating a unique community atmosphere in each business.

“One thing you’ll notice is how much space there is for the non-climbing wall. We made sure there’s a lot of space, not just climbing the wall, because people don’t stand. they just break where they climb and go. They like to spend two to three hours, drinking coffee and chilling with their friends,” he said.

The Up Climbing Group hopes to provide a bouldering area serving the south-south, following the recent closure of the Boulder Project in Prahran, with the remaining options largely available in the north. of Melbourne. A six-week trial is offered for $19 per week for unlimited climbing and shoe rentals.

“Most people climb once, and that’s it. The six-week trial will hopefully mean that people will come back, try it a few times, and realize that the game is really deep,” Barnett said.

“For many gyms, the expansion process opens up a lot of resources. This is our first one, so we still have a lot to learn about finding the right location. , and I want it to be a good place for the members. We’ll probably open another gym, but now we have a lot of debt to pay.”

Hustle Wellness Club was one of the first gyms to open on William Street in 2020. Owner Ricky Smith said he was also attracted to the location because of its industrial location.

Hustle offers 450 square meters of space open 24 hours a day, as well as a purpose-built team classroom, two infrared saunas and a range of trainers. Smith said the cost of the setup is between $800,000 and $1 million, with memberships being more expensive than a traditional franchise gym chain.

“We’re unique, we have different customers that we’re trying to target. I’m trying to create a place that’s more members-friendly and community-oriented than membership-only, which is what the big chains are pushing for. ,” he said.

Despite the lack of options along William Street, Smith says there is still an appetite for more, and Hustle is already in the area and is on the hunt for one.

“We want to build another gym, maybe Carnegie, twice as much space or as big if we can,” he said.