TWO former Inverclyde Leisure employees have teamed up to launch a new gym in Greenock.

BetterBuild Functional Fitness, a new training facility, is set to open in Clarence Street after co-owners Derek Skee and Frazer Dewar agreed a long-term lease through local lettings outfit Bowman Rebecchi.

The pair say they aim to establish it as Inverclyde's premium fitness training facility.

It will combine functional fitness, strength and conditioning training and high-quality coaching.

Derek and Frazer have a high level of coaching knowledge and experience, having been instrumental in delivering CrossFit classes over the past few years, before breaking out on their own to launch the new business.

Derek said: “It has been an exciting if busy time setting up the new business, so to finally secure the new premises is fantastic.

"We'd like to thank Ben Barrs and Lynn Rayner at Patten & Prentice for all of their support.

“We’ve been searching for premises for some time, and Bowman Rebecchi were really patient and supportive in understanding our needs as well as moving quickly when the unit came available to offer it to us.

“Both Frazer and I are delighted to have reached this stage, and all of our attention currently is on getting the unit ready to open.”

The new owners have had to be patient following the restrictions put in place during the pandemic but have managed to build a strong local following for their classes.

Frazer said: “We are hugely excited about the future and believe the new premises will help us to further grow, ensuring a bespoke fitness offering to Inverclyde locals serious about their health and conditioning.

“We’d like to thank all of those that have joined us so far ahead of the gym opening, and welcome others to come and speak to us to see where we can help them."

The letting signifies a further successful deal for Gourock-based Bowman Rebecchi, who say they continue to see large interest locally in commercial property despite Covid-19.

Andrew Bowman, director, said: “We are delighted to see BetterBuild finally achieve its goal and find a new home for their bespoke and highly-popular venture.

“In light of Covid-19, we have all had to be patient but now that they are in, the unit is a fantastic fit for their needs and the landlord is delighted to welcome and support their growth.

“We’d like to wish Frazer and Derek every success at Clarence Street."

FIGHTING FIT Derek Skee, left, and Frazer Dewar at their new town centre premises.