This is what has replaced Merry Hill's Debenhams store - and it's finally open

The first UK location of experience and community driven fitness operator XF Gym has opened at Merry Hill. XF Gym has taken over the upper floor of the former Debenhams store, which closed in May 2021.

Bosses say it offers a 'vibrant and high-quality athletic experience' featuring the latest equipment and an open-plan workout zone. Both large and boutique-style classes are available in the studios, including yoga, dance HIIT, cycling and boxing.

XF Gym Merry Hill will be open 5am to 11pm on weekdays and 6am to 8pm on weekends. The gym also features a ladies-only workout area, as well as wellness amenities such as a sauna, steam room, massage beds and luxury changing facilities.

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Laurence Benson, chief executive officer at XF Gym, said: "At XF Gym we have a singular goal of helping our members live better, so we’re thrilled to have opened our doors and to start delivering on this commitment. With its extensive local customer base, broad and high-quality tenant mix, and most importantly, its genuine dedication to creating a community-focused hub, Merry Hill aligns perfectly with our values, making it the ideal home for our debut studio."

Inside Merry Hill's XF Gym which has replaced Debenhams - in pictures

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Jonathan Poole, centre manager at Merry Hill, added: "We are thrilled to open our doors to the much-anticipated XF Gym, it’s our first fitness offering inside the centre and it’s going to really elevate our visitors experience of the idea of what a gym can be. Not only do XF believe in creating community like we do, but bringing a first of its kind to our customers takes us into the last few months of 2024 with a bang.

"XF Gym is a welcomed addition as we continue to transform the centre, evolving our shopping, leisure and food mix so visitors can enjoy everything they need in one destination, under one roof, for many years to come."

XF Gym's opening follows the opening of the lifestyle, technology and home appliance retailer Harvey Norman earlier this month. The retailer’s location at Merry Hill is also a UK-first and sits below XF Gym, occupying a portion of the former Debenhams.