Frequently Asked Questions
Does a container gym need planning permission in the UK?
In most cases, no. A Gym Box placed in a garden or on private land typically falls within Permitted Development Rights (PDR) as a temporary or ancillary garden structure, provided it:
➜ Is not used as a separate dwelling
➜ Does not exceed the height and footprint thresholds in your PDR class
➜ Is on land that benefits from standard residential PDR
If your property is in a Conservation Area, National Park or Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), or if it is a listed building, different rules apply. Similarly, commercial sites (hotels, sports clubs) may need formal planning consent.
We assess the planning position for every project location before we proceed. If permitted development is not available, we can advise on the pre-application enquiry route. We have successfully delivered projects across England, Scotland and Wales.
How long does it take from order to first training session?
Standard production and delivery time is 8–12 weeks from signed contract and deposit payment. On-site installation normally takes 1–2 days.
If you have an upcoming deadline (hotel opening, event, season start), tell us early – we will check whether an accelerated timeline is possible.
What foundation does a Gym Box need?
Most installations use concrete pad footings or precast concrete blocks. No major groundworks are required in most cases. If your ground is uneven or soft, we may recommend a simple levelling course.
We send detailed foundation specifications before production starts. Your own groundworker can prepare it, or we can recommend a local contractor.
Do you deliver to the UK?
Yes. We deliver throughout the United Kingdom, including England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Delivery is by low-loader transport and requires reasonable access to the site (typically a standard residential street is fine). We will confirm access requirements during the survey stage.
Delivery to remote highland or island locations may require specialist logistics – we can quote for this on request.
Is a container gym genuinely usable year-round in the UK?
Yes. The standard specification includes:
➜ 120 mm mineral wool insulation in walls, floor and ceiling
➜ Insulated steel entrance door (min. 1.1 W/m²K)
➜ Electric heater or split-system heat pump
➜ LED lighting with motion sensor option
In UK winter conditions the interior reaches 18°C within 20–30 minutes of switching on the heater. During summer, the same split unit provides cooling. The UK climate is well within the operating range – the units are tested to -25°C external.
What are the electricity running costs?
At a typical UK electricity rate of ~£0.29/kWh (2025 tariff) and 3 training sessions per week in winter:
➜ Electric panel heater: approx. £20–45/month
➜ Split-system heat pump (more efficient): approx. £8–18/month
Running costs are substantially lower than a gym membership. And the Gym Box is yours.
What ground surfaces can the container be placed on?
Grass, gravel, concrete, block paving or tarmac – all work. The ground needs to be stable and reasonably well-drained. Waterlogged or very soft ground may need a simple concrete slab or raised platform. We advise on this during the site assessment.
Can the container be relocated after installation?
Yes. A Gym Box can be lifted onto a flatbed or low-loader and moved to a new location. In practice this is rarely needed, but it is technically straightforward – the container is a self-contained unit with no permanent structural connections to the ground.
What warranty do you offer?
| Component | Warranty |
|---|---|
| Steel container structure | 10 years – corrosion and weld defects |
| Electrical installations and fit-out | 2 years |
| Training equipment | 2–5 years depending on manufacturer |
All warranty work is handled directly by Gym Assistance. You do not need to manage multiple suppliers.
Can I choose my own equipment?
Yes. Equipment selection is always agreed individually. You can specify brands, models and configurations you prefer – or leave the selection to us and we will propose a proven package within your budget.
We work with commercial-grade suppliers including Technogym, Life Fitness, Matrix and Panatta, as well as more accessible brands for private installations.
Can I buy the container shell only, without equipment?
Yes. We offer both turnkey packages (container + full fit-out + equipment) and the container module only, which you equip yourself. The shell-only option suits clients who already own equipment or who want to source specific machines independently.
What services (utilities) does a Gym Box need?
The only utility required is an electricity supply – minimum 16A single phase (a standard UK domestic supply is sufficient). No water or drainage is needed for a standard gym. An optional shower cubicle add-on requires a cold water supply and drain connection.
What is the door width? Can I get a larger opening?
The standard entrance door is approximately 90 cm wide – sufficient for all standard gym equipment. On request we fit double doors up to 180 cm wide, which allows access for bikes, rowing machines or other oversized items.
What does after-sales service look like?
We offer post-warranty service agreements covering all structural and installation elements. Options include:
➜ Annual inspection with written report
➜ Biannual inspection with priority call-out
➜ Reactive maintenance on request
One contact, full accountability.
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