Sportz Academy opens in Watford

Adult-only health and fitness operator, Sportz Academy, has opened its second club, with plans in sight for a major investment and expansion programme across the South East. Following the launch of its first operation in Potters Bar last year, Sportz Academy in Watford was officially opened last week by local MP Claire Ward and members of the Saracens RFC, as part of the company's £6.5m investment in new properties over the last twelve months. Chair Claudio Sarno, who founded the company in 1997, outlined the Sportz Academy strategy to open 10 new properties in the South East over the next three years: The success at Potters Bar has proven that the formula is now right for future development of the business. The new Watford club is a vital part of the Sportz Academy vision to provide the best health and fitness chain in the South East. The programme represents a £20m investment in rolling out the Sportz Academy brand. Clubs are scheduled to open in Hitchin in September and Uxbridge in January 2002, and a further five are in the pipeline for the next 18 months. The Watford club follows the Potters Bar blueprint of a premium health club, equipped with a Technogym multi-gym system, spinning area, aerobics studio offering 40 classes a week and a sanarium, steam and spa area.