Hong Kong-based Bricks Group has revealed plans to launch its health club chain, UTime, in Europe and the UK.

UTime currently operates a chain of clubs in Hong Kong and Thailand and has also secured properties in a number of South-East Asian countries.

It has positioned itself in the affordable market segment and has the strapline "the best equipment, the best value, the best U".

Bricks is a property group specialising in student wellness accommodation and hospitality, with a property portfolio worth in excess of £500m.

In the UK, the Bricks portfolio includes True Student-branded student accommodation properties in Manchester, Newcastle, Swansea, Glasgow, Birmingham and Liverpool.

Each True Student development includes a fully kitted out gym as part of the accommodation offering.

Bricks is led by founder Pete Prickett, who also founded Pure Group, a fitness and leisure brand operating across Asia with more than 20 locations.

Speaking exclusively to HCM, Prickett said the first UTime site had already been earmarked for Swansea.

"Our European launch is an exciting opportunity for us to tie UTime in with our True Student accommodation offering," Prickett said.

"We’re bringing best in class wellness solutions for all students and outside this we’ll be looking to set up franchise partnerships and full-owned gyms."

Bricks has hired a specialist team, led by Rey Bolivar, to develop the brand in Europe.

"Rey has experience operating, expanding and innovating within the world’s top fitness brands from New York City to most major capital cities in Asia," Prickett said.

"He brings three decades of experience in the health and wellness industry to build, restructure and grow club operations in a scalable format with sustainable results."

UTime gyms will be a minimum of 2,000sq ft in size and in addition to well-stocked gym floors will offer functional fitness areas, group classes and personal training.

• To read the full interview with Pete Prickett, click here for HCM Issue 5/2020.