Worthing’s The Bar Gym Launches Crowdfunder to Support Refurbishment

A well-known fitness and combat sports facility in Worthing is asking the local community for support as it looks to refurbish and improve its gym.

Nick Brewer, owner of The Bar Gym, has launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise £20,000 to upgrade the gym’s facilities. The gym has been part of the Worthing community since opening its doors in 2009.

Nick Brewer is also recognised locally for organising numerous kickboxing and boxing events at the Charmandean Centre.

A Gym Built for the Community

From the beginning, The Bar Gym was designed to be more than just a traditional fitness facility.

The gym operates as a split venue, with a fully equipped strength and fitness gym downstairs and a dedicated martial arts and combat sports area upstairs. The aim was to create a space where people of all ages could train, from children taking their first class to members well into their seventies.

Over the years, the gym has grown into a key part of the local community. Parents train between school runs, teenagers develop confidence through sport, and long-time members stay active and healthy.

SHOP: Kickboxing Equipment

Competing with Corporate Gyms

The gym has been privately funded by Nick Brewer and business partner Mike O’Hagan since it opened.

However, in 2014 several large corporate gym chains arrived in Worthing, bringing modern facilities, extended opening hours, and significant marketing budgets. Competing with those larger operators has been challenging for independent gyms like The Bar Gym.

Despite the pressure, the gym has continued operating thanks to loyal members and dedicated coaches.

Producing Champions and Supporting Local Youth

The Bar Gym offers a wide range of training including boxing, kickboxing, Thai boxing, grappling, and strength and conditioning.

Over the years, the gym has produced several professional champions in mixed martial arts, Thai boxing, and kickboxing, including a professional world kickboxing champion.

Beyond competition success, the gym takes pride in its community impact. Many current members are now training alongside their children, creating multiple generations of families within the gym.

Supporting Those Who Need It Most

The gym also works with local charities and youth groups, offering heavily discounted memberships to individuals who may otherwise struggle to access training facilities.

The team has worked with young offenders and children in care, helping provide structure, discipline, and support through sport.

In addition, local youth football teams receive free memberships so players can stay fit throughout the year. The gym also offers a special NUS membership that allows teenagers aged 13–17 to train for just 30p per day.

Raising Funds for the Future

The crowdfunding campaign aims to raise £20,000 to refurbish the gym and ensure it can continue serving the Worthing community for years to come.

Supporters can contribute through the Crowdfunder campaign to help improve the facilities and support one of the town’s long-standing independent gyms.