Wellness craze: Emerging growth for commercial space

Fitness operators are emerging as strategic, value-adding tenants.

Hong Kong’s fitness and wellness sector has entered a new phase of growth, driven by post-pandemic lifestyle shifts and the increasing prioritisation of health across all age groups.

What began as a consumer trend has evolved into a structural force reshaping the city’s commercial property market. From boutique gyms to niche sports facilities, wellness operators are influencing leasing strategies and redefining how space is utilised across multiple asset classes.

New concepts redefining urban space
In recent years, the city has seen a surge in innovative fitness concepts, from aerial yoga and indoor surf centres to functional training studios and skate facilities. These offerings are flourishing across both core and non-core districts, underscoring a shift towards experiential, lifestyle-driven consumption.

For landlords, fitness operators introduce steady footfall and vibrant community activity, making them attractive tenants amidst a cooling office and retail environment.

A standout trend is the meteoric rise of pickleball, a sport combining tennis, badminton and table tennis. Once unfamiliar to the local market, it has become one of Hong Kong’s fastest-growing recreational activities. Flagship venues include the indoor pickleball court in Wan Chai and the 11,000-square-foot one in Kwun Tong, and some operate 24 hours, reflecting surging consumer demand for flexible, social fitness experiences.

Alongside pickleball, padel is rapidly gaining momentum. With its simple rules and dynamic play style, the sport appeals to both beginners and seasoned players. Outdoor courts at GO PARK and in Sai Kung highlight the willingness of consumers to travel for niche activity-based experiences. This shift opens new possibilities for landlords, especially those with underused podiums or open-air spaces that can be repurposed into sports destinations.

Fitness operators as strategic tenants in commercial real estate
As wellness demand grows, fitness operators are emerging as strategic, value-adding tenants. They absorb mid-sized floor plates, revitalise older buildings and offer resilience in uncertain retail cycles. Office towers, revitalised industrial buildings and community malls increasingly recognise the benefits of incorporating fitness operators to diversify tenant mixes and activate previously low-utilisation areas.

Despite the market’s potential, operators must address the specialised requirements of sports facilities. Indoor pickleball courts typically require 1,800 to 2,200 square feet, high ceilings of at least four to five metres and well-calibrated lighting and ventilation. Padel courts demand even larger footprints, six-metre ceiling heights and reinforced glass structures for safety.

Entrepreneurs planning conversions in office or industrial buildings must factor in regulatory needs such as change-of-use approvals and fire safety compliance. These are all critical for operational readiness and cost forecasting.

Location strategy: The deciding factor
Site selection remains one of the most important determinants of long-term success. Entrepreneurs should prioritise districts with strong daytime populations, good transport connectivity, and balanced residential-commercial catchments. Rental benchmarks, demographic profiles and nearby competition all influence a venue’s performance.

Comprehensive market research and professional real estate advisory can help ensure alignment between concept positioning and site suitability.

Hong Kong’s wellness economy shows no signs of slowing. Whether through boutique gyms, racquet sports, hybrid wellness concepts, or community-centred activity spaces, the sector is set to continue shaping consumer behaviour and influencing the commercial real estate landscape.