Revealed: Plans unveiled for old ALDI site at Clifford Gardens

After much speculation, it has now been revealed what will fill the 4429 sqm block of land site, that ALDI once called home.

The new centre will replace the old Aldi store at Clifford Garden's which was listed for sale in 2019.

Ever since the old ALDI building at Clifford Gardens Shopping Centre was listed for sale in late 2019, whispers have intensified over what would fill the 4429 sqm block of land.

But now the rumours can be laid to rest with something ‘big’ heading to Toowoomba.

The Gold's Gym Toowoomba team (from left) Makayla Ings, Sammy Sorbara, Joe Sorbara and Bevin Jones hang from a beam in the former Aldi Clifford Gardens that they are converting into a Gold's Gym. Picture: Kevin Farmer

After the ongoing success of their five-year-old franchise Gold’s Gym in Fyshwick, Canberra, business partners Joe Sorbara and Bevin Jones have been seeking the perfect location to expand.

And now the pair have set their sights on the Newtown site and plan to open their new gym by the end of the year.

“Part of our vision has always been to expand the brand in South East Queensland,” Mr Sobara said.

“We predominantly look at sites that offer great exposure, plenty of car parks and towns like Toowoomba that have a thriving fitness culture.”

Gold's Gym Toowoomba franchise co-owner Joe Sorbara does a push-up with his son Lincoln on his back at the site of the former Aldi Clifford Gardens that is being converted into a Gold's Gym. Picture: Kevin Farmer

With construction well underway, the pair said fitness fanatics could expect great things.

The 24-hour club will offer a full class schedule with at least 35 live sessions, as well as digital.

Featuring a large functional fitness style area and plenty of squat racks, the space will also include a hospitality and retail section for gym goers to grab a coffee, before dropping children off at the centre’s kid’s club.

“Having a young family, I know how important it is for mums and dads to keep their fitness up, so that’s why we invest heavily in this,” Mr Sobara said.

“We surround ourselves with quality people to look after the kids to make the situation as stress-free as possible for clients.”

Gold's Gym Toowoomba franchise owners Joe Sorbara (left) and Bevin Jones are converting the former Aldi Clifford Gardens in Princess St into a Gold's Gym. Picture: Kevin Farmer

And while the best mates opened their first gym five years ago, it wasn’t their first successful venture together.

Prior to lifting barbells and kettlebells, the active duo were rolling out dough and running their own Dominos stores for more than a decade.

“I know that seems like a contrast but really not much has changed other than our product,” Mr Sobara said.

“Our ethos is we believe heavily in quality products, service and image and providing a value offering to our customers.”

Gold's Gym Toowoomba franchise owners Joe Sorbara (left) and Bevin Jones do pull-ups on a beam in the former Aldi Clifford Gardens that they are converting into a Gold's Gym. Picture: Kevin Farmer

Gold’s Gym is expected to open in late October at Clifford Gardens Shopping Centre at 13 Princess St, Newtown.

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Originally published as Revealed: Plans unveiled for old ALDI site at Clifford Gardens