A well-known leisure business in Sutton Coldfield, I Am Yogi, has secured a new location just off the town centre’s High Street after announcing its departure from the Gracechurch Centre due to rising costs.
Owner Vicky Lawton revealed last month that maintaining the Gracechurch Centre studio was no longer sustainable financially, especially without impacting the business she runs in Moseley Village. Despite this, she was determined to maintain services for the 160 Sutton members who attend the yoga sessions.
This week, I Am Yogi confirmed it will relocate to The Bakehouse Studios, situated at the rear of number 50 High Street, opposite the Royal Hotel. The new studio is accessed via an alleyway, making it a somewhat ‘hidden’ gem in the town centre.
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The Bakehouse Studios is already home to several performing arts organisations, including a Stagecoach branch and the Sutton Coldfield School of Dance. I Am Yogi will occupy the top floor, offering a quiet and dedicated space for yoga classes.
In a message to her members, Vicky said:
“After making the very hard decision to leave the Gracechurch Centre, with no real solid plans and limited options, we took the leap, confident our resilience would see us through. We are delighted to announce that from Tuesday 1st September, our doors will reopen at The Bakehouse Studios.”
The business plans a quick transition over the August Bank Holiday weekend, closing the Gracechurch studio from 11am on Thursday 27th August to move equipment and set up at the new venue.
Vicky also shared that they aim to recreate the familiar atmosphere of the Gracechurch studio at the new location and are working on final details such as class schedules and parking arrangements. She encouraged members to complete a survey to provide feedback, helping to tailor the new space to their needs.
She added:
“We are working hard behind the scenes to create the studio you know and love. Our entire team thanks you for your patience, kindness and loyalty during this transition. Please share your thoughts with our teachers, fellow yogis and reception staff as we navigate this move together.”
Regarding the departure, a spokesman for the Gracechurch Centre noted that I Am Yogi had benefited from rent concessions to help establish and grow their membership. Although the landlord was willing to offer alternative spaces within the centre and invest in adaptations, no agreement satisfying both parties was reached.
The spokesman concluded:
“While we are disappointed that an agreement could not be reached, we respect their decision and wish them every success in the future.”