A RUN-DOWN petrol station and car hire site in Quarry Bank has been transformed into a state-of-the-art gym, creating four new jobs, thanks to the ambitious redevelopment plans of two Black Country-based brothers.
Phil and Mark Stewardson, of Stewardson Developments, bought the vacant 0.9-acre former Lye Hyre site on Thorns Road in 2022, with a plan to create a prime commercial property opportunity.
Now, after investing more than £150,000 updating a building on the site, Stewardson Developments have welcomed their first tenant – gym and personal training centre Retroflex.
Stewardson Developments’ director Mark Stewardson said: “We were delighted to purchase this incredibly prominent off-market site, which we have known for many years.
“We have improved a very tired site and can’t wait to see the final stages which will be completed early next year.
“Retroflex have been an inspiration to deal with. Their vision for what they wanted to create has been amazing, their knowledge of health and fitness is unrivalled, and the gym has proved to be incredibly popular.
"Undoubtedly this will be a brand that will grow and is a real asset to the community.”
Tom Russell, director of Retroflex, said: “The journey from starting to opening was a mammoth task, especially in the time frame needing to do it, in but with long days and no days off I managed to complete it.
“We have created a family atmosphere where people can come and simply have a chat, even when they don’t feel like training.”
Harvey Pearson, managing director at Hexagon Commercial Property which has leased the property to Retroflex, said “We approached Tom at Retroflex directly following our advice to Stewardson Developments on the purchase of the site and were very pleased to agree terms quickly.
“The fit-out looks fantastic, and I would recommend any local gym goers to drop in and give it a whirl.”
Phil Stewardson, director of Stewardson Developments, added: “It has been a privilege to transform this site which had previously been in the same ownership for 50 years.
“The redevelopment has turned a run-down building into a real asset for the local community.
“We are actively seeking more sites like this for future investment.”
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