Grafters Ironworks Gym Moves to Civic Hall Mexborough as Empress Basement Transforms into Jazz Bar & Casino
Grafters Ironworks Gym Finds Its New Home at Civic Hall Mexborough
The fitness scene in Mexborough is about to experience a major transformation. Grafters Ironworks Gym, one of the region’s fastest-growing fitness communities, is relocating from the Empress Building to the Civic Hall Mexborough. This strategic move opens the door to a brighter, bigger, and more profitable future for the gym, while simultaneously unlocking the potential of the Empress Building’s 4,750 sq ft basement, which is being converted into a late-night jazz bar and boutique casino.
For gym members, this relocation is about much more than just a change of scenery. It is about future-proofing fitness, creating a stronger community, and delivering facilities that genuinely compete at the highest level. For nightlife lovers, the upcoming launch of a luxury casino and jazz lounge in Mexborough promises to elevate the town’s entertainment scene with a blend of live music, gaming tables, and high-end cocktail culture.
Why Civic Hall Mexborough is the Perfect Fit for Grafters
Bigger Space, Better Facilities
One of the greatest advantages of moving Grafters Ironworks Gym into Civic Hall is space. The Civic boasts impressive high ceilings capable of accommodating a full-sized boxing ring, something the previous venue simply couldn’t offer. This means the gym can expand its boxing and combat sports programmes, giving members and competitors a serious edge.
In addition, the Civic offers private parking, with opportunities to secure free spaces for members. This is a game-changer for convenience, making it easier for gym-goers to commit to their training without battling for parking. It’s an amenity that many competing gyms in the area cannot provide.
Social Hub & Revenue Opportunities
Civic Hall isn’t just about fitness. The venue comes with a large fitted bar area, perfectly suited for serving protein shakes, post-workout smoothies, and fitness-focused refreshments. The addition of a dedicated seating area with tables and chairs means the gym can double up as a community hub, where members connect after classes, strengthening loyalty and retention.
The on-site kitchen creates opportunities for meal prep services, ensuring members can pair their training with nutrition – a service many modern gym-goers are actively searching for online. This integration of fitness and lifestyle positions Grafters Ironworks Gym as a full-service destination.
New Streams of Income
Beyond fitness memberships, the Civic presents a host of new business opportunities. Spare storage rooms can be rented to sports massage therapists, tanning specialists, or wellness providers, allowing the gym to earn from partnerships. A refurbished self-contained boiler room unit offers scope as a beauty salon, tattoo studio, or small office rental – creating a steady additional income stream.
Low Costs, High Sustainability
Another key benefit is sustainability. Civic Hall is powered by solar energy, helping reduce running costs while also aligning with consumer demand for eco-conscious businesses. Members increasingly value gyms that reflect their own values, and the Civic ticks every box.
The Empress Building’s New Chapter: Jazz Bar & Boutique Casino
As Grafters Ironworks Gym prepares for its exciting new home, the Empress Building will evolve into a completely different kind of destination. The historic basement – covering 4,750 sq ft – is being transformed into the Empress Royal Casino and Jazz Lounge, a late-night venue designed to combine gaming, music, and luxury hospitality.
What Guests Can Expect
Premium Casino Gaming – with roulette, blackjack, poker, and electronic slot machines.
Luxury Cocktail Jazz Bar – serving champagne, fine wines, and signature cocktails inspired by the golden age of casinos.
Live Music & Themed Events – from Gatsby-style evenings to Bollywood nights and Vegas in Mexborough showgirl productions.
Exclusive High Stakes Cellar – a members-only gaming room with private service.
Experience-Driven Nightlife
Unlike traditional casinos, the Empress Royal Casino focuses on experience-first nightlife. Guests can enjoy dinner in the Goa Spice restaurant upstairs, then head down for drinks, games, and live music – or extend their evening with Stay & Play hotel packages. For event-goers attending weddings or concerts in the Empress Ballroom, the casino creates the perfect “after-party” setting.
Boosting Local Economy & Tourism
This transformation will position the Empress Building as a regional draw for nightlife in Doncaster and Mexborough, helping the local economy through tourism, hospitality, and entertainment spending. It also ensures the Empress Building remains a thriving cultural hub, offering something for both day and night audiences.
Strategic Benefits of Both Moves
For the Gym: Protection from direct competitors, improved facilities, better community space, and long-term sustainability through diversified income.
For the Empress Building: A dynamic new late-night venue that enhances Mexborough’s reputation for luxury entertainment, live music, and boutique casino experiences.
Together, these changes create a win-win model: fitness thrives by day at Civic Hall, while nightlife shines by night at the Empress.