As an increasing number of people have come to realise the benefits of an active lifestyle, the construction of purpose-built health and fitness centers is gaining traction in Pakistan’s metropolitan cities.
If you are considering in investment in a health and fitness centre, factor in the following:
1. The average cost of constructing a fully-equipped health and fitness centre ranges between two to five million rupees; the expected return on investment (ROI) varies between 20 to 25%, over a period of two to three years.
2. The resale value of an established health and fitness centers increases by eight to 12% within three years; entals increase by 20 to 30%.
3. Plots should ideally range between 500 and 1,000 square yards. If the building has at least two floors, the plot size should be a minimum of 350 yards.
4. Areas where health and fitness centers can be found include:
● Karachi: Clifton, DHA and PECHS.
●Lahore: Cantt , DHA Block Y, Gulberg, Main Boulevard, M.M Alam Road and Model Town.
●Islamabad: Sector F-7, Sector F-8 and
6. As far as design is concerned, consider an open floor plan and make sure that the service areas (massage rooms, gyms, weight rooms, mediation areas and water therapy rooms) are divided according to their function to ensure privacy.
In the case of multi-storey buildings, each service area should be located on a separate floor. Interiors should be well-lit, ideally with natural light. Use pastel shades for the walls and ‘natural’ elements such as bamboos, candles, stones and water features wherever possible.
By Uzma Nawaz. Information provided by Nadeem-ul-Hassan, an architect