How Much Does a Melbourne Gym Fitout Cost in 2024?

Ever dreamed of opening your own fitness centre?

Embarking on a gym fit out project can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. There's no denying that designing and equipping a gym requires meticulous planning and attention to detail, especially when it comes to budgeting. From upgrading the flooring and installing specialized equipment to creating an atmosphere that inspires fitness enthusiasts, every element plays a vital role in shaping the gym's success.

In this guide, we'll fill you in on the cost and financial considerations you need to know when fitting out a fitness and wellness centre in Melbourne. We’ll also share some common fitout issues we’ve discovered over the years and advice on how you can avoid them in your build.

So how much do gym fitouts cost on average? 

Between $1500 - 3000 per sqm

Of course, when laying out a range like this there are a variety of factors that could put a fitout on the higher or lower ends of this range. Gyms and wellness studios are as unique as the people who create them, so no one fitout is the same as another. 

In saying this, some basic features differentiate gym fitouts from other industries.

Gym fitouts are usually more complex than standard commercial fitouts. If repurposing an industrial facility, special attention needs to be put into upgrading internal infrastructure. Electrical wiring also needs to be seamless, ensuring that wires are not strewn haphazardly across the gym floor.

Sound quality is also important with many wellness centre owners opting for custom sound system layouts to meet their needs. Music sets the stage and tempo for an exercise session. Microphones help fitness instructors project across large open spaces. Having a quality system that helps sound travel is essential.

An exceptional fitout expert understands this and will balance all of these requirements within a reasonable budget.

Below are some of the more specific costs associated with gym fitouts. 

• Refurbishing Older Infrastructure: Large gyms and wellness centres usually find their home in older warehouses. In almost every case, these spaces were built for other industrial purposes, requiring gym owners to refurbish the infrastructure (e.g. plumbing, HVAC, electrical). 
• Sound System Wiring: Whether it’s a yoga studio or a boxing gym, sound needs to travel well in the space. Additional costs may be put towards sound system installation to ensure the quality is ideal throughout.
• Cabling: Nowadays, almost every modern gym uses smart equipment that integrates with mobile devices. Extra attention may be put towards data wiring to ensure there is a stable internet connection throughout the space. Electrical connections also need to be well hidden to avoid any tripping hazards, while also not interfering with the look of the space.
• Feature Element: Most modern gyms have some type of design or feature element (e.g. feature wall) to motivate and encourage gym-goers to record or share their workouts on social media. These costs may vary depending on the size of the feature element and materials used.
• Toilets: Assurance that you have the correct number of standard, DDA, and ambulant-compliant toilets installed. Cost is dependent on the number of toilets required.
• Sinks: Hand basin sinks are usually a required installation to pass health department checks. Mop sink installation (if desired) starts around $1000.

Be mindful that every wellness centre is different, with differing goals and branding aesthetics. You may spend more in one area and significantly less in another. Complex projects may take on additional costs, yet we find these to be more of a rarity than the norm. 

Treat these price ranges as a guide to help you discover what you want to achieve with your gym fitout.

Now you know what to be on the lookout for, but what about those things a builder might not tell you about? Let’s explore them below.

Material Lead Time

Lead time for certain materials can vary. While materials can be sourced locally, some items may need to be imported. At Canopy Fitouts we take a comprehensive approach to quoting and building your fitout. We forecast lead times wherever possible, and will suggest alternatives if you desire a speedier completion. 

Regulatory Bodies

With any construction project, approval from regulatory bodies will be required. Rather than taking on council fees, permit plans, and the potential red tape involved, our team will assist you and ensure the process is seamless. Don’t let neglected paperwork hold up your fitout.

Asbestos

Asbestos is the most hidden issue on this list. While it may not be an issue for your fitout, we’ll never really know until we get started on the project. At Canopy, we’ll do all early leg work to catch signs of potential asbestos and will help you get a professional to decontaminate the premises quickly.

Hidden Costs

We recommend allocating at least 30% of your budget to cover hidden services like the ones above. We will be as upfront as possible in the early stages of your build to help you avoid these costs later on.

At Canopy Fitouts we believe in transparency at every stage of the fitout process, which is why we have no qualms with sharing the latest data we have around gym and wellness fitouts. Of course, gyms come in all shapes, sizes, and personalities so it’s best to speak to an expert first for further clarification on what costs will pertain to your business. If you have any specific questions or are ready to get started on your fitout, speak with our knowledgeable team today.