AN arson probe is under way after a new gym was torched just days before it was due to open.
Firebugs broke in and started a blaze in Lifestyle Fitness, on Epsom Avenue, Handforth, near Wilmslow, at about 1am on Friday.
The fire caused £50,000 damage to the first floor, destroying the ladies-only gym and causing extensive smoke damage throughout the building.
The £2m refurbishment of the gym had finished hours before the blaze began.
It was due to open to the public today (Monday).
Rick Browne, area manager for Lifestyle Fitness, which is owned by Competition Line, said the fire would not stop the business from opening.
The 33-year-old said: “It is very disappointing that this can happen to a business that has moved into the local area bringing new jobs, before it has even opened.
“It has delayed the opening and we’re have to start from scratch with the first floor. But it’s not going to stop us.”
Crews from Wilmslow and Stockport King’s Street fire stations arrived to find smoke billowing from the eaves of the building.
Firefighters wearing breathing equipment spent two hours tackling the fire using a covering jet and fan.
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed it has launched a fire investigation.
Watch manager Dan Wade, from Stockport King’s Street fire station, said the gym studio was ‘wrecked’.
He said: “When we arrived there was smoke coming form the eaves.
“Two firefighters entered the premises and managed to put out the fire.
“It was wrecked inside the studio where the fire is believed to have started, but we managed to save the rest of the floor.
“It is a suspected arson and police are involved.
“The gym was due to open on Monday. I don’t see that happening now.”
A spokesman for Cheshire Police said in a statement: “Officers from Wilmslow CID are currently investigating a suspicious fire which occurred at the Lifestyle Fitness Centre.
“At around 2am on Friday, December 19, police were notified of the incident by Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, who had attended the scene and extinguished the fire.
“There were no injuries as a result of the incident. Police remain at the scene to establish the circumstances surrounding the fire and are treating the incident as arson.”
Anyone with information can call Wilmslow CID on 101.
