Global fitness brand World Gym will officially open the doors to its first Australian Capital Territory club later this month, bringing its signature strength-focused training experience and premium recovery facilities to Canberra for the first time.
Located at 5 Chan Street, Belconnen, the new club marks the inaugural World Gym in the ACT and represents another milestone in the continued expansion of the iconic brand across Australia.
Designed for everyone from first-time gym-goers through to experienced strength athletes, World Gym Belconnen combines world-class training equipment, dedicated recovery amenities and 24-hour access in one premium fitness destination.
The new club features more than 150 pieces of equipment from leading global brands including Panatta, Gym80, Booty Builder, Life Fitness and Hammer Strength, alongside dedicated spaces including a posing room, Barbell Café and Pro Shop.
A standout feature of the club is its purpose-built wellness and recovery zone, complete with:
- 15-person traditional sauna
- Two ice baths
- Two ice showers
- Extended daily operating hours
World Gym Australia Founders, Mike Nysten and Jonathan Davie said World Gym Belconnen had been designed to offer Canberra locals a complete health and fitness experience under one roof.
“We’re incredibly excited to bring World Gym to the ACT for the very first time. Belconnen is the ideal location for our inaugural Canberra club, and we’re looking forward to welcoming a community that’s passionate about health, performance and achieving their fitness goals.”
“We’ve created a destination where members can train with some of the best equipment available, recover using premium wellness facilities and become part of a supportive fitness community.”
The club will operate 24 hours a day for members, allowing people to train whenever it suits their schedule, while the dedicated recovery zone will be available throughout the day with no booking required.
Sean Hodges, Chief Operating Officer of Viva Leisure, said the Belconnen opening represented an important milestone bringing the brand to Viva Leisure’s home turf.
“Bringing World Gym to the ACT for the first time is a significant milestone for both Viva Leisure and the World Gym Australia network. Since our investment in World Gym Australia, we’ve been focused on growing one of the world’s most recognised fitness brands into new communities, and Belconnen is a fantastic location for that next chapter,” said Hodges.
“World Gym has built a global reputation for delivering an uncompromising strength and performance experience, and this new club reflects exactly what members have come to expect from the brand. We’re excited to introduce Canberrans to a premium training environment that combines world-class equipment, recovery facilities and a strong community culture.”
Foundation memberships are now available ahead of opening, with members able to secure the club’s lowest-ever membership rates.
Stage 3 membership options include:
- Gym Membership from $22.95 per week, including 24/7 access, group fitness classes, free on-site parking and Evolt360 body scanning.
- Gym + Wellness Membership from $37.95 per week, adding unlimited access to the recovery and wellness facilities.
To celebrate the opening, World Gym will host a free community launch event on Thursday 27 August, inviting locals to explore the new club, meet the team and experience everything the facility has to offer. There are door prizes for the first 150 attendees, giveaways all evening and the chance to win a 12-month membership.
World Gym launch event
- When: 4:00pm–8:00pm, Thursday 27 August, 2026
- Where: 5 Chan Street, Belconnen
The opening follows Viva Leisure’s strategic investment in World Gym Australia and forms part of the company’s plans to continue growing the internationally recognised brand across Australia.
Founded in California in 1976, World Gym has become one of the world’s most recognisable fitness brands, operating more than 230 locations across six continents. In Australia, the brand has grown to 60 locations, with Belconnen becoming the first in the ACT.
The iconic World Gym® brand was founded in 1976 by Joe Gold during the glory days of Muscle Beach in Venice, CA when serious fitness collided with the world of Hollywood celebrities.
Since then, World Gym has evolved into an internationally recognized brand that has captured the imagination of fitness lovers around the globe. World Gym is dedicated to creating ultimate workout destinations. With its headquarters located in sunny southern California, World Gym currently has over 230 franchised locations on 6 continents and in 17 countries, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Egypt, India, Mexico, Russia, Taiwan, and the United States.
The World Gym Australia franchise was secured in 2006 with the first location opening in 2008. Today there are 60+ open World Gym locations in Australia with approximately 170,000 members.
For further information, please visit: https://www.worldgym.com.au/
About Viva Leisure
Viva Leisure Group (ASX: VVA) is a vertically integrated health and fitness company shaping the future of wellness with an inclusive, multi-brand and tech-enabled approach. Operating hundreds of fitness locations across Australia and internationally, Viva Leisure’s portfolio includes gyms, boutique studios and digital solutions designed to inspire and support people of all ages and goals. With a mission to make fitness affordable, diverse and accessible, Viva Leisure continues to expand its footprint and impact in the health and leisure sector.
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Ponder PR
