Walsall Council adds BOX12 functional fitness studio to leisure centre

Walsall Council has invested in the transformation of an under-utilised office space into a dedicated, boxing-based boutique training facility at its Oak Park Active Living Centre.

The new studio space can accommodate up to 16 participants at any one time, all working out in a circuit style format, supported by digital coaching and exercise demonstrations.

The BOX12 sessions consist of 12 three-minute rounds, with a new round starting every three minutes, meaning there is no need to book, anyone can turn up and get started immediately.

People with their own boxing gloves are encouraged to bring them along to the sessions, however, those without should not fret as all equipment needed for the sessions is available free of charge.

Stuart Webb, Group Manager at Walsall Council, explains: “We were looking to create something special, something unique in the community that would inspire people to get active and stay active. We wanted to obtain maximum impact and engagement for our £300,000 budget.”

The council worked with leisure development specialist, Alliance Leisure, on the project.

BOX12 was founded in 2019 and is the brainchild of best friends and entrepreneurs Jamie Cartwright, ‘SAS Who Dares Wins’ contestant in 2021 and Jon Eade, owners of Hatton Boxing.

“When the BOX12 studio was first tabled as an idea we were a little sceptical,” Webb added.

“It sounded interesting but we were struggling to understand how it might work as a ‘box within a box’ at Oak Park Active Living Centre. Our concerns were soon put to rest when Alliance hosted visits to an existing BOX12 facility located at Newcastle Under Lyme.

“We fell in love with the energy, fun and uniqueness of the experience and were convinced it would ignite a spark in the community and people.”