Technogym completes wellness offer at Essential Living Union Wharf

Essential Living is a London-based Build to Rent property developer creating individually styled assets that give people beautiful places to live, work and play. Operations Manager Olly Carver explains how the new residents’ gym at Essential Living Union Wharf is the crowning glory of the building’s wellness offer.

Essential Living has a bespoke approach to Build to Rent development, with each development having its own visual identity and collection of amenities. Union Wharf is close to Greenwich Park and historic quayside areas of the River Thames. The aesthetic draws from this industrial legacy, with exposed ceilings, brickwork and steel.

Union Wharf is home to 450 residents, and offers 24-hour concierge, work-from-home spaces, dining rooms, lounges, rooftop terraces, cinema rooms, and an in-house café in addition to the 249 apartments. In January 2024, the development was completed with the opening of Union Wharf’s new ground-floor gym, created in partnership with Technogym.

Wellness central to aspirational Build to Rent developments

“We show every prospective tenant around the entire site so they can see what we have to offer. We aim to remove barriers to exercise so our residents can meet their wellness goals where they live. Union Wharf’s new gym is an incredible facility that rivals competitor gyms and comes at no extra cost to residents.”

Olly Carver, Operations Manager, Essential Living

Union Wharf’s gym occupies the ground floor of the building, alongside the resident’s café which serves up healthy options. It’s a tall, bright space with large windows and an appealing industrial aesthetic. 

Essential Living worked with Technogym to create a modern gym space that caters for all residents, from leisure users to high-performance athletes. With many residents working long hours in the City, the gym is open from 6am to midnight. Technogym’s user-friendly equipment and advanced digital content means residents can easily access a fast, challenging workout in total safety even during unstaffed gym hours.

Equipment selection for modern functional training

“Gone are the days of endless rows of cardio. We know that young professionals want a range of fitness options, with high levels of functionality and digital connectivity. Technogym were able to advise us on the best ways to cater for our audience, whilst also delivering on individual requests like 32kg dumbbells and Technogym Ride – which was a specific wish list item from one resident!”

Olly Carver, Operations Manager, Essential Living

Technogym worked with Essential Living to create a zoned gym facility with advanced cardio equipment, a sled track, free weights and resistance machines, and a large functional training area.

Best-in-class equipment mix with digital connectivity

Technogym Excite Live is an inspiring line of cardio with extensive digital content to motivate and coach users through fun and effective workouts. Technogym Skillmill and Bike are high-end options that can be used during personal training sessions, small-group HIIT classes, or by gym goers who want to level up their cardio training.

Union Wharf’s strength equipment includes Technogym’s Dual Adjustable Pulley, an ultra-versatile piece of resistance kit that can be used by individuals or as part of personal training sessions.

As well as installing Technogym equipment in the Union Wharf gym, Essential Living are also using the Technogym App to give residents an advanced fitness experience with training content, workout data and personal records.

80% resident uptake within weeks of opening

Since the gym opened on 1 January, around 80% of Union Wharf’s 450 residents have signed up to use the gym, and Olly says the space is never empty from 6am to midnight.

“Technogym have helped us create a high-end gym that gives residents a premium fitness experience, and is a standout feature during site tours. The partnership has been incredible positive, from design to post-installation. Technogym are responsive, helpful, and really engaged in the project. We know we can go to them for advice and innovation which will help us stay ahead of trends.”

Olly Carver, Operations Manager, Essential Living

A top-class fitness space to attract and retain residents

Union Wharf’s new gym is the final element that completes the site’s extensive residents offer. But it isn’t just meeting the diverse needs of its 450 residents. It is also acting as an eye-catching marketing tool for the development. On the first day the new gym opened, several members of the public came in off the street to ask about the facility – and some of those people have since become residents.

Now the gym is open, Essential Living plan to add an indoor cycle studio and expansive group exercise class schedule, including small group training classes on the gym floor. It is pleasing to know that Technogym equipment and digital solutions will support Union Wharf’s commitment to the health and wellness of its residents.

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