Project: Valvet Banken Coworking Size: 270 sqm City: Uppsala Read time: 2 minutes
A former bank building on Stora torget in Uppsala has been turned into Banken Coworking, a hub of offices, meeting spaces, a restaurant and a 270 sqm gym. The gym, Valvet Banken, opened in February to a strong member response. Our partner Fitness Brands Sweden writes the story as their supplier.
"Our gym Valvet Banken opened in February and the response has been fantastic," says gym manager Melvin Cicek.
The build took four years and six design iterations. The floor was lowered by 30 centimeters to get the ceiling height right. Function and quality were prioritised over square meters.
Designed around the working day
The gym is built into the coworking environment so members can train at any point during the workday without leaving the building. Many arrive in suits, briefcase in hand, train, and continue with their day. Members get personal access codes, locker storage, and a laundry service for training kit.
"You should not have to carry a gym bag around. It should be easy to fit training into the working day," says Melvin.
A premium specification
Equipment was specified in close collaboration with Fitness Brands and selected on feel, function and usability.
Cardio is Life Fitness Integrity+ with the SE4 Console. Strength is Hammer Strength Select, Plate Loaded, Half Rack, plus Hammer Strength dumbbells and plates. Barbells are The Allrounder from Gungnir of Norway.
More than a gym
The next phase ties together work, training and social meetings in the same environment, with formats combining training, work, meals and lectures. Members also get sauna, free protein powder, coffee, laundry service and access to training kit on site.
"Every machine has been carefully selected to get the most out of the floor. But Valvet is just as much about the whole experience," says Melvin.
Read more about the exclusive location here
