Beechdown Health Club in Hampshire sold to the Bannatyne Group
Specialist leisure property adviser Christie & Co has announced the sale of Beechdown Health Club in Basingstoke, Hampshire, to the Bannatyne Group, one of the UK’s leading health and wellness operators.
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Established in 1992 and operated by the same family for over three decades, Beechdown Health Club has become a landmark destination for premium health and wellness in the region.
The 3.3-acre site offers an extensive range of indoor and outdoor facilities including a fully equipped gym, a 16m indoor pool with spa, Beechdown Beauty and Day Spa, a brasserie as well as squash and badminton courts and outdoor leisure amenities. Ofsted-registered childcare and dedicated children’s activity programmes are also provided.
Bannatyne Group’s acquisition marks its first in Hampshire, with plans to build on the club’s strong racquet sport offering with the installation of new padel courts in the first half of 2026, reflecting the rapidly growing popularity of the sport and its importance within the wider leisure market.
The Darlington-headquartered Group, owned by serial entrepreneur and former Dragons’ Den investor Duncan Bannatyne, now operates 67 health clubs across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The club currently serves around 3,000 members and the sale marks the retirement of owners Ian and Dora Minors, who commented, “After 33 years of building Beechdown into the club it is today, it is the right time to pass the baton. We’ve always focused on creating a welcoming, high-quality environment for our members and I’m confident the Bannatyne Group will continue that legacy. I’d like to thank our incredible team and loyal members for their support over the years, it has been a privilege.”
Duncan Bannatyne, Chief Executive and Chairman of the Bannatyne Group, said, “Beechdown Leisure Club is an excellent addition to our portfolio and represents an important step into Hampshire for the Bannatyne brand. The club’s high-quality facilities and strong community appeal complement our existing estate, and we look forward to working with the talented team there while building relationships with existing and future members.”
Jon Patrick, Head of Leisure & Development at Christie & Co, who handled the sale, said, “Beechdown attracted significant interest from a range of national and international health club operators as well as other associated leisure businesses and private individuals, reflecting its exceptional facilities and strong trading performance. The transaction was completed in a timely and collaborative manner and we’re delighted to have supported Ian and Dora in achieving a sale.”
The transaction was structured as a share sale of Crocodile Leisure Limited, which holds the long leasehold interest in the property. Legal and financial representation was provided by Phillips Law and Lane Monningtons Welton on behalf of the vendor and Hill Dickinson LLP and BDO on behalf of the Bannatyne Group.
