Anytime Fitness is Coming to The Acres
Muscles, Marriage & Motivation: The Christchurch Couple Building a Fitness Empire
When Fran met Chris, it wasn’t over coffee – it was at the gym. Not just any gym, but the very Anytime Fitness that would later shape their life, love, and growing business.
“I wasn’t looking to meet anyone,” says Fran. “But then, there he was.” Chris adds, “I knew straight away she was someone special.”
That moment sparked not only a relationship, now with four children, but also a shared vision: building a business grounded in family, flexibility, and fitness.
Today, the couple owns Anytime Fitness Ferrymead and Burnside, with a third location set to open in Halswell, one of Christchurch’s fastest-growing suburbs. They also co-own Green Dinner Table, a Christchurch-based plant-based meal delivery business. Their journey began nearly a decade ago with their first franchise and has grown steadily ever since.
“We’ve had the Anytime Fitness Halswell territory for seven years,” says Chris. “We always knew it had potential; we just waited for the right time and place.”
That place is The Acres, a new 11-hectare retail precinct being developed by Christchurch-based Danne Mora Holdings, scheduled to open in September 2026. Stage one, including Anytime Fitness Halswell, will include 4,000m² of retail, food, medical, and commercial space across 18 tenancies.
Anytime Fitness Halswell will be one of the first tenants to open.
“We didn’t want to be just another gym in another mall,” says Fran. “We wanted to help shape a community from the start, somewhere focused on health, connection, and real-life support.”
Their pitch to Danne Mora wasn’t just about brand reach, it was about shared values. “We told them we care who our neighbours are. We want to contribute to a genuine wellness hub,” Chris says.
The new gym will be their most ambitious yet, designed for comfort, functionality, and inclusivity. Expect natural light, intuitive layout, top-tier Life Fitness equipment, luxurious bathrooms, and thoughtful touches throughout.
“This is a gym for grown-ups,” Chris explains. “Busy professionals, parents and anyone who prioritise their wellbeing.”
Though Anytime Fitness has more than 5,000 clubs globally, Fran and Chris focus on local connection. Their clubs feel welcoming and personal—no hard sells, no cookie-cutter culture. Personal trainers operate as independent contractors, growing their own client bases.
“Everyone has their niche,” Fran says. “That’s what makes it work.”
That people-first approach has proven resilient. Ferrymead thrived through the pandemic. Burnside was revitalised after they took it over. Green Dinner Table doubled in size during lockdowns before settling into a strong, stable base.
Fran’s background as a world-class ice skater, representing New Zealand at over 30 international events, brings athletic discipline and a strong work ethic. Chris’s trades background adds a practical, hands-on leadership style. Together, they’ve built a culture where staff are valued, members feel at home, and growth comes from trust, not trends.
The gym will open with capacity for around 1,500 members, nestled alongside sports fields, a Black & White Coffee Cartel café, and future health and wellness services. With more than 1,000 members already at their smaller Ferrymead location, their goal feels well within reach.
“It’s not about flashing lights or ego-lifting,” says Fran. “We’re here for people who want clarity, headspace, and health.”
The couple has invested nearly $1 million into the new gym, reflecting their belief in the Halswell community and their long-term approach.
“We’ve waited years for this to feel right,” says Chris. “Now it does.”