Matrix advised Block Gym on optimising space within the historic building / Block Gym / Matrix
Block Gym has opened as part of a wider workspace offer within Plymouth’s iconic Royal William Yard – once a Royal Navy victualling yard and now an award-winning waterside destination.
The gym has taken the space following the renovation of the 200-year old, historic Grade I-listed naval buildings which have undergone a 12-year regeneration programme.
This retained the original fabric of the buildings while fusing it with a contemporary aesthetic to create a place to live, work, stay, play and relax.
The new 60-station gym, installed with cutting-edge equipment from Matrix Fitness, features a top-of-the-range cardiovascular suite, free weights area and functional training zone, all equipped with the latest workout tracking technology.
Premium 24/7 offering for residents Commenting on the development, gym manager, Nathan Sarahs, says: “Block is passionate about pioneering when it comes to work-life balance, providing a premium gym offering to our workspace tenants 24/7.
“We knew we had to work with the best when exploring fitness equipment and Matrix Fitness was the perfect fit in terms of its range and technology” he said.
“We opted for a full cardio suite featuring the Touch XL consoles, as well as the latest range of Matrix Ultra strength equipment, with the addition of Smart Strength Intelligent Training Console, so members can autonomously track their workouts and follow personalised training programmes,” he continues.
“Developing such a historic site comes with complications,” Sarahs explains. “We had many curve balls thrown at us, but our Matrix Fitness account manager, Alex Nardell, provided expert advice and support. He helped create countless floorplan options so we could maintain the building’s aesthetics without disturbing the original structure.
“With experience working with the majority of equipment suppliers in the UK over the past decade, I can’t recommend Matrix Fitness highly enough, due to its outstanding customer care – even with our challenging build, Alex remained focused on delivering exactly what we set out to achieve.”
Nardel said: “This project was not without its challenges and required us to work closely with the Block team. The gym is one of the most impressive, exclusive fitness facilities in Plymouth and we look forward to continuing to support its future success.”
"We knew we had to work with the best when exploring fitness equipment and Matrix Fitness was the perfect fit in terms of its range and technology" – Nathan Sarahs, gym manager,
Block Gym
Panatta brought together four of the most influential figures in bodybuilding history on the
stage of RiminiWellness 2026: Phil Heath, Lee Haney, Ronnie Coleman and Hany Rambod. [more...]
Matrix advised Block Gym on optimising space within the historic building / Block Gym / Matrix
Block Gym has opened as part of a wider workspace offer within Plymouth’s iconic Royal William Yard – once a Royal Navy victualling yard and now an award-winning waterside destination.
The gym has taken the space following the renovation of the 200-year old, historic Grade I-listed naval buildings which have undergone a 12-year regeneration programme.
This retained the original fabric of the buildings while fusing it with a contemporary aesthetic to create a place to live, work, stay, play and relax.
The new 60-station gym, installed with cutting-edge equipment from Matrix Fitness, features a top-of-the-range cardiovascular suite, free weights area and functional training zone, all equipped with the latest workout tracking technology.
Premium 24/7 offering for residents Commenting on the development, gym manager, Nathan Sarahs, says: “Block is passionate about pioneering when it comes to work-life balance, providing a premium gym offering to our workspace tenants 24/7.
“We knew we had to work with the best when exploring fitness equipment and Matrix Fitness was the perfect fit in terms of its range and technology” he said.
“We opted for a full cardio suite featuring the Touch XL consoles, as well as the latest range of Matrix Ultra strength equipment, with the addition of Smart Strength Intelligent Training Console, so members can autonomously track their workouts and follow personalised training programmes,” he continues.
“Developing such a historic site comes with complications,” Sarahs explains. “We had many curve balls thrown at us, but our Matrix Fitness account manager, Alex Nardell, provided expert advice and support. He helped create countless floorplan options so we could maintain the building’s aesthetics without disturbing the original structure.
“With experience working with the majority of equipment suppliers in the UK over the past decade, I can’t recommend Matrix Fitness highly enough, due to its outstanding customer care – even with our challenging build, Alex remained focused on delivering exactly what we set out to achieve.”
Nardel said: “This project was not without its challenges and required us to work closely with the Block team. The gym is one of the most impressive, exclusive fitness facilities in Plymouth and we look forward to continuing to support its future success.”
"We knew we had to work with the best when exploring fitness equipment and Matrix Fitness was the perfect fit in terms of its range and technology" – Nathan Sarahs, gym manager,
Block Gym
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