A former cannabis factory in Bishop’s Stortford has been transformed into a community boxing hub.
Strong Box, a new charity, is behind the transformation of the premises at the Twyford Business Centre, funded by donations from its primary trustees.
The fight club and fitness centre launched on Wednesday (August 27) – International Boxing Day.
Strong Box trustees, from left, Mark Mison, Sam Scilly, Seb Scilly and Robert Neal
On May 3, last year, Hertfordshire police found around 600 cannabis plants inside the unit that were worth around £500,000.
Stortford resident Seb Scilly, chair of the Strong Box trustees, said: “A growing Bishop’s Stortford deserves a central, bona fide community boxing club.
“Our goal is to give young people an outlet beyond their phones and the streets. Boxing is a sport that transcends economic and cultural backgrounds, channelling energy in a positive direction.”
Strong Box coaches, from left, Mark Mison, Roland Power and Seb Scilly
Head coach Mark Mison added: “We’re building a thriving environment where people can enjoy boxing while developing discipline and life skills that extend far beyond the ring.”
Strong Box has a fully equipped boxing development and fitness studio on the ground floor with Strong Box ABC, an amateur boxing gym, complete with a competition-size ring, on the first floor.
To celebrate its launch, Strong Box is hosting an open evening on Monday September 1, 7pm to 9pm, featuring demonstrations of bag work, pad work and sparring. The mayor of Bishops Stortford, Cllr Richard Townsend, will attend.
Sessions will be led by volunteer England Boxing-accredited coaches, offering everything from fitness-focused classes to competitive amateur boxing. All ages and experience levels are welcome.
First classes begin on September 2 and can be booked on the Strong Box website or the ClubRight app (search StrongBoxGym).