YugraInvestStroyProekt, the largest developer in the Khanty-Mansi autonomous okrug in Russia, and Strata Partners, one of Russia’s largest fitness operators, have signed a partnership agreement.

The US$35m (£23m, 28m euro) joint project aims to build and open nine fitness clubs within new, mixed-use complexes in the major cities in Khanty-Mansi – an area of Siberia that produces more than 55 per cent of Russia’s oil and that is considered to be among the country’s most rapidly developing regions.

All clubs will be operated by Strata Partners under its Orange Fitness and City Fitness brands, and construction is already underway in two cities.

“Well-known brands and a highly efficient personnel training programme were the main factors in our choosing Strata Partners as our major partner," said Andrey Shishkin, CEO of YugraInvestStroyProekt.

"Our partner’s expertise in successful construction and operation of such complexes will be an invaluable asset for the region.”