World Gym franchise to open in Hervey Bay in August

An internationally renowned company promising to redefine the term “gym” is set to open its first venue on the Fraser Coast in the coming months.

World Gym is set to open a franchise in Hervey Bay by August, 2024.

After three years of planning, an internationally renowned fitness brand with franchises across six continents is set to open its first gym in the Fraser Coast.

Founded in 1976 by accomplished American bodybuilder Joe Gould, World Gym has expanded to more than 200 places worldwide with 45 franchises in Australia.

Mr Gould’s prior venture Gold’s Gym, which he sold in 1973, was famous for having Arnold Schwarzenegger drop in for a workout.

In its mission statement the company stated it was dedicated to improving lives through fitness.

Ben Metcalfe, of Metcalfe Constructions, which is responsible for the construction of the World Gym facility in Kawungan.

Manager Elle Chambers said the 176 Main St, Kawungan facility would be a “one-stop shop” for health and wellbeing with a creche, large weights room, group fitness classes, CrossFit training zone, sauna and cafe included in the plans.

She said it was a multimillion-dollar project but would not specify how much it was worth.

Metcalfe Constructions is building the gym, which has previously worked on St Mary’s College, the Brolga Theatre and the St Vinnies Hervey Bay op shop.

The gym is scheduled to open in August.

Property records showed the 3607sq m site was sold for $1.1m on August 9, 2021, with Agap Kremzow Pty Ltd the purchaser.

There are 30 jobs up for grabs at the gym in roles like reception, creche, personal trainers, customer service and cleaners.

World Gym will open a franchise in Hervey Bay in August on Main St, Kawungan.

Once it opens it will join the ever-expanding group of fitness centres in the Fraser Coast.

At least 14 gyms are open in Hervey Bay and five in Maryborough.

The nearest World Gym to the Fraser Coast is in Bundaberg.

Mrs Chambers said the planning of the facility was a “rollercoaster of emotion” but the gym dream was nearly a reality.

More from the Fraser Coast:

Watch: Massive python devours pet chicken at Toogoom

Boonooroo truck rollover sparks clean-up as fuel spreads over road

Originally published as World Gym franchise to open in Hervey Bay in August