A gym chain is closing its Bristol branch for good after falling into financial difficulty caused by the pandemic.
Fitness4Less on Union Street in Bristol Shopping Quarter shut in March in line with government lockdown guidelines - but will not be reopening when restrictions ease.
This week, shops around Bristol reopened their doors, but under the government’s current rules, gym chains are still closed to the public.
The company, which has furloughed most of its staff, said its management team had done “everything possible” to protect the business but was “not in a position” to reopen in Bristol.
Fitness4Less said in a statement: “Businesses have suffered and unfortunately, there will continue to be challenges for many service industry sectors, such as ours, as lockdown eases and there is a slow return to normality.
“To secure our future it has been necessary that we gain the support of our partners and landlords and agree on a way forward with them.
“In the case of Bristol, unfortunately, this has not been possible and therefore our business here is not commercially sustainable in these uncertain times.”
The chain said it was looking to redeploy staff where practical and give them support and references to secure new jobs.
Fitness4Less said people seeking a refund on pre-paid membership should visit the website and provide their full name, membership number and contact details.
The news comes as businesses across the city battle for survival following the coronavirus outbreak.
Some well-known chains have already confirmed they will not be reopening again.
Fashion shops, eateries, betting shops, arcades, tailors, auction houses, car dealerships, mobile phone stores and gift shops are now allowed to trade.
However, hairdressers, barbers, nail salons, spas, gyms, hotels, pubs, bars and nightclubs remain shut.
