Middlewood Locks is getting its own gym. Forged, a new independent strength training gym, has agreed a 10 year lease on a 4,700 sq ft unit at The Railings, the third phase of our £1 billion neighbourhood between Salford and Manchester city centre. It opens in January 2027 and will be open seven days a week.
The idea started very close to home. Founder Sam Benjamin has lived at Middlewood Locks for two years and spotted the potential of the commercial units while walking past them on his way to work. Sam is a former professional rugby player who also runs Tap House in Manchester and bars in Nottingham. Forged is his first gym.
Forged is a dedicated strength training gym, so the whole floor is given over to training, with showers and changing rooms alongside. There’ll be gym80 Pure Kraft plate loaded and Sygnum selectorised machines, a GluteBuilder zone with eight dedicated pieces, Exigo racks, benches and platforms, and Forge Strength plates and dumbbells. Personal training sessions will be available too.
It isn’t only about the workouts. Sam wants Forged to feel welcoming and part of the community, so there’s a programme of social events planned for members, including Beer & Barbell and Summer Socials.
Sam Benjamin, founder of Forged, said:
“Having lived at Middlewood Locks for the past two years, I recognised the opportunity to establish a high-quality gym serving both residents and the surrounding neighbourhood. Forged brings together my commitment to fitness and healthy living with my sporting background and experience in hospitality.
“Our aim is to provide a dedicated strength-training environment, with high-quality equipment and a capped membership, where members feel welcome and comfortable. Alongside the training facilities, we want to build a strong community and give members opportunities to connect through our planned events.”
Membership will be capped, and 450 people are already on the waiting list. The first 600 members will pay £65 every four weeks with no joining fee. After that, membership will cost £75 every four weeks plus a £75 joining fee, subject to availability. Middlewood Locks residents won’t pay a joining fee, whenever they join.
We want Middlewood Locks to be a neighbourhood where independent businesses do well, and Forged is a great fit. It joins the Co-op and 92 Degrees coffee shop. The Railings has four commercial units totalling nearly 10,000 sq ft, there’s been plenty of interest in them and we expect to announce more occupiers soon.
Paul Kelly, Group Managing Director at Scarborough Group International, said:
“Forged is an excellent addition to Middlewood Locks and reflects our commitment to attracting independent businesses that enhance the neighbourhood. It is particularly rewarding to see a resident establish a business here after experiencing life at Middlewood Locks first-hand.
“The gym will broaden the amenities available to residents and those working locally and Sam’s focus on a welcoming, community-led approach aligns with our vision for Middlewood Locks. The 10-year lease demonstrates a long-term commitment to the neighbourhood, and we look forward to Forged opening in January.”
More than 2,600 people now live at Middlewood Locks. The 25 acre neighbourhood sits around three basins of the Manchester, Bolton & Bury Canal, and more than half of its 2,215 planned homes are complete. Future phases will bring more homes and a further one million sq ft of commercial space, including offices, a hotel, shops and restaurants. Spinningfields, St John’s, New Bailey and Castlefield are all close by.
We’re developing Middlewood Locks in a joint venture with Metro Holdings, a Singapore listed property group.
Lyons Thompson Letts markets the commercial space at Middlewood Locks. For details of the remaining units, see the Railings brochure or call the agents on 0161 260 0075.
