Case Study:
TRANSFORMING WORKSPACE WELLBEING
THE BRIEF
Create a workplace gym that looked and felt like a premium boutique gym - not a corporate afterthought. Launch a suite of fitness services to drive engagement and positive feedback.
THE CHALLENGE
The Northcliffe is a premium workspace developed by DWS and managed by MAPP, designed to offer exceptional facilities and tenant experiences in the heart of London.
When a former storage area in the basement became available, the team saw potential: could it become a boutique-quality gym that enhanced wellbeing, built community, and added value for every company in the building?.
Client: The Northcliffe
Developed by: DWS
Managed by: MAPP
Project Type: Full-Service Gym Build
Sector: Commercial Real Estate / Workplace
Completion: 2024
OUR APPROACH
The basement space came with its challenges - low ceiling height and concrete floors could have made it feel cold and uninviting.
Our goal was to soften the space and make it feel energising yet calm.
We introduced:
- Specialised rubber gym flooring throughout to allow training across the entire space
- Carefully designed lighting to enhance the atmosphere and make the space feel warm and welcoming
- Open floor space intentionally left for mat work and weekly group classes
- A layout that created flow without overcrowding, ensuring it never felt cramped - even during busy periods
"It was my first time seeing the space in person and it's absolutely gorgeous!"
Curated Equipment with Purpose
We avoided overfilling the space, instead choosing equipment that was versatile, efficient, and met the needs of modern workplace users:
- Dual-use pin-loaded strength machines to optimise space
- Extensive range of free weights to accommodate different styles of training
- Premium touch screen cardio equipment for an intuitive and modern experience
- Equipment such as rowers, ski-ergs and kettlebells to cater to the rise in Hyrox-style workouts
- Two Peloton bikes, allowing members to take spin classes at their convenience
- Dedicated open space for stretching, mobility, and mat work
Creating a Premium Experience from Day One
From launch, we focused on delivering a full-service experience - not just a functional gym space. This included:
- Personalised 1-to-1 inductions to help tenants feel confident and welcome
- Weekly group classes including Total Body Burner, Pilates, and Yoga
- On-site support and friendly interaction to help tenants build habits and feel part of the gym community
- A bespoke branded webpage with integrated waivers and booking system for classes and personal training
"Thank you so much for the gym induction yesterday. You really inspired me to get going with attending the gym!"
THE RESULTS
- High engagement from launch: Tenants began using the space immediately, with many saying it encouraged them to come into the office more regularly - and even cancel their external gym memberships.
Classes regularly have waiting lists and we are due to build the schedule to accommodate demand. - Positive member feedback:
“The inductions really helped – I would have felt too nervous to use the gym otherwise.” - Community-building impact: Group classes have created new social touchpoints - people now train together, stop to chat, and feel more connected to the building and each other.
A previously unused basement has been transformed into one of the building’s most valued features - supporting tenant wellbeing, engagement, and workplace satisfaction.
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