The new concept will be open 24/7 as it takes over the former retail unit on Commercial Road
15:22, 29 Jul 2025Updated 17:22, 29 Jul 2025
The former M&S site (Image: Manchester Evening News)
The future of a former Greater Manchester Marks & Spencer store has been confirmed. The closure of the Hazel Grove M&S food hall was announced last summer by the retailer.
It closed in line with the end of the lease in January 2025 after first opening on Commercial Road in 2006. A spokesperson for the brand said the closure reflected ‘changing shopping habits’ and said M&S would be instead focusing on the ‘right space’ to deliver the ‘best possible shopping experience’ for its customers.
Now, almost a year on from the announcement, it has been revealed what will happen to the site. Gym operator PureGym is due to take over the unit in the coming months.
It will be open 24/7, and is expected to boast a range of high quality equipment, as well as a full fitness programme with classes and PT sessions.
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A PureGym spokesperson said: “There is strong demand for flexible, affordable fitness across the UK and we are therefore delighted to be opening a brand new gym in Hazel Grove this Autumn.
The M&S foodhall in Hazel Grove has now closed (Image: Manchester Evening News)
“Located on Commercial Road, next to Aldi and Wynsors, the 8,000 sq. ft. gym will provide members with 24/7 access to state-of-the-art equipment, including fixed resistance machines, cardio and free weights, as well as a wide range of classes and access to our certified PTs – all through our low-cost, zero contract memberships.
“The new club will be a fantastic addition to the local community and we look forward to welcoming our new members to PureGym Hazel Grove – check out our opening offer.”
The closure of the Hazel Grove M&S site followed the retail giant opening a a flagship foodhall at the Peel Centre Retail Park in Stockport town centre in 2023.
The M&S foodhall in Hazel Grove has now closed (Image: Manchester Evening News)
Other locations nearby include its site on Coppice Way at Handforth Dean, and the the Cheadle Hulme petrol station on Church Road.
Commenting on the closure of the Hazel Grove branch last August (2024), Katherine Ottewell, M&S Regional Manager, said: “After considering our offer for customers across Stockport, we have decided to close our Hazel Grove store off Commercial Road, in line with the end of our lease next January.
“Shopping habits are changing and our focus is making sure we have the right stores with the right space to deliver the best possible shopping experience for our customers.
“Thank you to all our customers who have shopped at the store and the community for their support.
PureGym will be opening soon(Image: LIVERPOOL ECHO)
“Last year, we invested more than £3m in a brand-new 16,000 sq ft M&S Food at Stockport Retail Park and we will continue to serve customers there and at our nearby stores in Barracks Mill Macclesfield and Handforth, offering the very best of M&S food, clothing and beauty.”
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PureGym was founded by serial entrepreneur Peter Roberts in 2008, with first sites opened in Leeds, Manchester and Edinburgh in 2009, followed by six new sites in 2010.
Ten years later, after significant growth, PureGym completed the acquisition of the Fitness World Group, becoming the number two value gym operator in Europe by number of gyms.
In 2024, PureGym hit the milestone of 400 gyms in the UK and acquired 56 US sites from Blink Fitness, all prime locations across the New York and New Jersey states.