Two ladies-only health clubs in the Liverpool area have been brought back from the brink of closure after being saved through a partnership between a charity Community Leisure Services Partnership (CLSP) and experienced health club operator 3d leisure (3d).

18 months ago, a widely publicised offer saw the two Hearts Clubs in Crosby and Wallasey put up for sale for £1 each by their former owner. If no buyer was found, staff were warned that the clubs would have no option but to close as a result of financial constraints.

CLSP took over the lease for both of the clubs in June 2015 and appointed 3d to operate the clubs on their behalf. After some minor investment into the building fabric and some new equipment, the clubs were rebranded but kept the same name. Today, membership has grown by 275 members and the clubs are once again a thriving haven for female members.

Paul Heppner, Governance Manager at CLSP, said: “We appointed 3d leisure because of their excellent track record in turning failing clubs around. We had confidence in what they would be able to achieve but we have been staggered at the speed with which they have met and exceeded all targets set. The clubs are now generating good returns which we will use to develop them further and we are also looking at further acquisitions to meet our charitable objectives.”