Heyford Park gym hits membership levels months after opening

KFIT, founded by long-time resident Kayleigh Stewart, opened in March at Heyford Park and has already seen strong demand, with membership nearing capacity within its first few weeks.

The gym is the latest step in Ms Stewart’s fitness journey, which began with outdoor bootcamps on the Village Green before moving to a small studio on the former airbase.

Ms Stewart said: “I started with outdoor bootcamps and then moved into a smaller studio on the airbase, but it got to the point where I needed a bigger space in a better location.

“This unit felt ideal because it’s right in the middle of the village and easy for people to get to.”

After outgrowing her previous studio, she began looking for a more accessible site that could support growing demand.

Now in the centre of Heyford Park, KFIT allows residents to train close to home without needing to travel outside the village.

Ms Stewart said: “I’ve lived in Heyford Park for 10 years, so I’ve seen the community grow first-hand.

“There are so many active people here already, but I also wanted KFIT to be a place for people who feel nervous about stepping into a gym.

“It’s really important to me that people feel comfortable here and can build their confidence at their own pace.”

The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive.

Ms Stewart said: “It’s been amazing to see how positive the response has been.

“People have been really supportive, and it’s lovely seeing conversations happen between members, especially people who are new to the area.

“That community side has always been a big part of what I wanted to create.”

As Heyford Park continues to expand, businesses like KFIT are adding to the mix of amenities and helping residents access services closer to home.

Paul Silver, chief executive of Dorchester Living: “KFIT is another great example of the kind of independent business that helps communities flourish.

“We have seen strong demand from independent businesses wanting to establish themselves at Heyford Park, and it is encouraging to see such a positive response to KFIT already.

“Kayleigh has created something that is clearly valued by residents, and high-quality amenities like this play an important role in creating a place where people can live well.”

The gym also broadens Heyford Park’s health and wellbeing offering, providing a personal environment for strength training and regular exercise.

Ms Stewart said she hopes to continue developing KFIT in line with member feedback, whether through new classes, upgraded equipment, or community-focused events and partnerships.