Next month (August) will see the launch of a commercial health club at one of the largest primary schools in London.

Representing an investment of £1.75m, the club has been developed by London Horizons, a non-profit making company formed by the head teacher of Stockwell’s Durand Primary School, Greg Martin.

Martin runs the company with the school’s governors as directors.

London Horizons was established 10 years ago, and to date has financed the building of a 9m x 15m swimming pool and a floodlit football pitch, both of which are available for community use. The facilities are now joined by the Horizons health club, which includes a 33-station gym, sauna, steamroom and spa bath as well as a café and treatment room. A hall is also due to be converted into at least three studios for group exercise classes.

Located in an area of high deprivation, the Horizons club will offer a subsidised membership to school families for a £30 joining fee per family and £2 per visit thereafter. The facilities will also be available to the public for £50 a month for use at peak times.

The centre is expected attract 800-1,000 school families a year, making an annual profit of £100,000. All profits will be reinvested into the school.

Such developments could provide much needed funding for inner city schools said Martin. “Schools finish at 3.30pm and are closed for a quarter of the year. It’s a huge waste of public land and property. There are around 800 schools in London and most of them could offer similar facilities to ours. This really is the way forward.”