the former bullring, structurally independent from it. The perimeter of this covered piazza area incorporates large terraces with space for cafés and restaurants and great views over the city.


development pipeline These same views are available from the Metropolitan health club, which opened in the Las Arenas complex last month. Tucked just beneath the floating roof, on the fourth floor of the development, the club occupies a 2,400sq m (25,830sq ft) space – almost three-quarters of the floor – and is flooded with natural light thanks to five metre high, floor-to- ceiling windows that make up the entire external wall of the circular building. Metropolitan, a leading player in


the Spanish health and fi tness market, already has 16 sites operational across the country. This includes two new openings in the last two months – in Madrid in May and Las Arenas, Barcelona, in June. Three further sites are scheduled to open this year – including one this month, in Murcia – and the company predicts that its membership will rise from the current fi gure of 50,000 to 65,000 by the end of 2011 as a result.


Holistic: Metropolitan encompasses wellness, health and relaxation


Work is also well advanced on a new club opening scheduled for 2012. “We aim to open four or fi ve clubs


every 12 months,” says CEO Javier Pellón. “We’ll consolidate our position in Spain – we’re one of the only operators expanding in this market – but we’re also planning to expand internationally to markets such as France, Portugal and Germany. We hope to sign on our fi rst international site this year, with the opening perhaps a couple of years away.” With investment averaging €4–5m in each club, sometimes rising to €8m, that’s no small ambition. But back to Barcelona and the


new club at Las Arenas. Not only are members guaranteed great views while


working out thanks to the large expanses of glass and clear sightlines throughout, but there’s also an outdoor running track that circles around the facility and takes in the city vista. Outdoor relaxation areas are also available. The gym is divided into CV, resistance


and stretching zones and is equipped by Technogym – including Kinesis – Life Fitness, Keiser and Power Plate. There are also pilates and group exercise studios offering 700 hours of programmed classes every month. This is complemented by diet and nutrition support and programming, and an on-site doctor. Alongside the fi tness offering is a


25-metre swimming pool and a spa area with an extensive range of wet facilities


METROPOLITAN: CELEBRATING 25 YEARS H


igh-end operator Metropolitan currently has 16 operational clubs across


Spain, with four in the domestic pipeline and plans to expand internationally to markets including France, Portugal and Germany. Already in existence for 25 years, the


company was originally set up by Jose Antonio Castro and Javier Pellón, who remain president and CEO respectively. Pellón – a qualifi ed lawyer with an MBA from the Madrid business school – was a professional squash player for a number of years, ranked number one in Spain. Prior to setting up Metropolitan, he established various businesses selling sporting equipment, was involved in the management of sports centres, and also spent many years working in construction and property. Although not a family business,


A run with a view: An outdoor running track circles the gym on the fourth fl oor of the former bullring


july 2011 © cybertrek 2011


Pellón’s brother Sergio later joined the company in an independent appointment as general manager. Originally qualifying in business studies, he then went to work in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Returning to Spain, his career path took him into marketing for companies including L´Oréal and Nike. He joined Metropolitan 10 years ago, overseeing


The firm: Jose Luis de la Guardia, Javier Pellón and his brother Sergio Pellón


the opening of the fi rst Madrid club and the development of the marketing department. He is now responsible for operations across the whole chain. Metropolitan’s other general


manager, Jose Luis de la Guardia, also has a background in professional sport – again squash, in which he was Spanish national champion before becoming a national selector. Having already worked with Javier Pellón in the sports equipment business, he joined Metropolitan at the outset, as manager of the fi rst club. He is now responsible for co-ordinating design and maintenance across the group.


Read Health Club Management online at healthclubmanagement.co.uk/digital 35


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