Working in Partnership with Walsall Council, Alliance Leisure has delivered its first dedicated BOX12 boxing-based boutique training facility within the footprint of an established leisure centre.
The new studio, created from under-utilised office space, occupies a new studio space on the first floor and can accommodate up to 16 participants at any one time, all working out in a circuit-style format, supported by digital coaching and exercise demonstrations.
Stuart Webb, Group Manager at Walsall Council, explains: “We were looking to create something special, something unique in the community that would inspire people to get active and stay active. Alliance Leisure has an excellent reputation and track record for developing engaging place-based activity spaces so employing their expertise was a no-brainer. We wanted to obtain the maximum impact and engagement for our £300,000 budget.
“When the BOX12 studio was first tabled as an idea, we were sceptical. It sounded interesting but we were struggling to understand how it might work as a ‘box within a box’ at Oak Park Active Living Centre. Our concerns were soon put to rest when Alliance hosted visits to an existing BOX12 facility located at Newcastle Under Lyme. We fell in love with the energy, fun and uniqueness of the
experience and were convinced it would ignite a spark in the community and people would want to get involved. We were also encouraged by the fact that the two BOX12 founders are also co-owners of the established Hatton Boxing brand.”
BOX12 is a 36-minute workout consisting of 12, 3-minute rounds that combine boxing and functional fitness exercises. Each exercise is separated by a 3-minute rest period. The workout is fast-paced, training strength, power and cardiovascular fitness as well as balance, reaction time and flexibility.
Kenny Wattam, Project Manager at BOX12, says: “BOX12 provides a welcoming and encouraging environment for everybody, regardless of ability or experience. People can train at their own pace and level within the parameters of the workout format.
“Whilst some of the exercises are individual, many require people to pair up, helping to nurture a supportive community that provides social and mental benefits as well as physical. Digital instruction and exercise demonstrations are provided throughout, allowing instructors to focus more on motivational coaching and encouragement. In the case of the install at Walsall, BOX12 also integrates the Myzone platform, helping people to understand their training levels, challenging themselves whilst working within safe limits.”
Works began in October 2023 transforming the office space into the vibrant BOX12 studio and completed in just 11 weeks.
Gareth Liversedge, Delivery Manager, Alliance Leisure, says: “In terms of the sensory experience we kept within the traditional BOX12 design framework, creating a stripped-back industrial feel enhanced by strategically positioned lighting, wraparound graphics and high-quality equipment.
When people step into the studio, they immediately feel they have arrived in a unique space, leaving any stresses and strains of everyday life at the door and enabling total focus on their workout.”
BOX12 launched in 2019 so it is still a relatively new kid on the fitness industry block. That said, it is experiencing exciting growth within the UK, Europe and as far afield as Saudi Arabia. Gareth adds: “BOX12 is fresh and delivers a unique experience for people living in and around Walsall. Whilst it is hoped the existing leisure centre users will embrace the new offer, we also expect BOX12 to attract a new audience, extending the centre’s positive influence on the local community.”
The BOX12 project at the Oak Park Active Living Centre was delivered by Alliance Leisure through the UK Leisure Framework, owned by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL). Other partners on the project include Universal Construction, Savernake Property Consultants, Bignall, Shacklady Ewing Architects and Greenwood Projects for Principal Design.
For more information on Alliance Leisure, visit: allianceleisure.co.uk