Iron Time Gym takes over part of Cullingworth Mills complex

Health and fitness enthusiast Rhys Bokalo has brought Iron Time Gym to Cullingworth Mills.

Rhys took on the unit earlier this year after gaining planning permission for a conversion.

The top floor space had long been empty, and prior to him receiving the keys, the mill's owner carried out some major renovation works including a new roof.

The third floor of Cullingworth Mills ahead of its conversion into a gym (Image: Rhys Bokalo)

The father-of-one from Queensbury has completely renovated the unit, with help from family and friends.

The 32-year-old is holding an open day on Saturday before welcoming its first members on Monday, July 24.

Some of the equipment available inside Iron Time Gym (Image: Newsquest)

The project looks to be off to a flying start with around 100 members already signed up after taking advantage of a special opening offer.

Rhys, who used to work for a utility company, told the Telegraph & Argus: “I've always been interested in weightlifting at the gym, as well as health and fitness and I've always wanted my own business. So, I sort of stumbled across the building, and things just fell into place.

Iron Time Gym will hold an open day on July 22 (Image: Newsquest)

“This floor of the building has been empty for over 30 years, so it’s taken a lot of work – a lot more than I probably imagined. So we’ve got the original beams and brickwork – I wanted it to have an old, rustic feel – keeping the history of the mill, but with a modern twist.”

“What we’ve got now looks fantastic, and everybody has been extremely positive when we’ve put photos on social media – they really like the character.”

Iron Time Gym in Cullingworth (Image: Adam Ashley)

He described the gym itself as predominantly for weightlifting, but there is a cardio area with plenty of equipment.

The gym is home to a studio that will host classes, once fully up and running.

“The gym is membership only and it’s a gym for local people in our local community. We want to give our members the best experience,” he said.

The gym is set to welcome its first customers (Image: Newsquest)

In the planning application lodged last year it detailed how there was demand as the existing local gyms had reached “maximum capacity limits”.

Some of the weights at Iron Time Gym (Image: Newsquest)

“There is therefore real and significant demand for new gyms in the area, and it is the intension of the applicant to market the gym to customers in Cullingworth in particular, as the business emphasis is one of creating a local gym for local people.”