A commercial gym fitout in Australia in 2026 typically costs between $1,500 and $3,000 per square metre, which works out to roughly $50,000 for a small PT studio and $500,000 or more for a large full-service facility. Equipment is the biggest single line, usually 40 to 70 per cent of the total budget. VERVE Fitness supplies the strength, rack, rig, cardio, flooring and recovery equipment that sits inside that budget, along with a free 3D gym design service to help you plan the space before you commit.

What a commercial gym fitout actually costs in 2026

The honest answer is that costs vary widely by concept, size and location. Commercial gym fitouts range enormously because two gyms of the same size can spend very differently. Two gyms of the same size can have wildly different fitout costs. A bare-bones CrossFit box with rubber flooring and rigs will cost a fraction of a boutique gym with pin-loaded machines, premium finishes, and full amenities.

As a working framework, a full commercial gym fitout in Australia usually falls between AUD $1,500 and $3,000 per square metre, and gyms tend to sit at the upper end of commercial ranges because of higher service density, reinforced flooring, and the electrical demand of large cardio fleets. Translating that into project totals is useful: a 150 m2 studio gym often requires $225,000 to $450,000, while a 300 m2 24/7 facility pushes into the $450,000 to $900,000 range, and larger 500 m2 clubs can climb toward A$1.5 million once all works, equipment and services are included.

Note that construction and equipment are separate budgets. Independent Sydney fitout builders report that gym fitout construction costs in Sydney typically range from $1,500 to $3,000 per square metre depending on facility type, ventilation requirements, and finish level, and that figure applies to the construction side only, before equipment procurement.

Where your money goes

Equipment dominates. Equipment typically accounts for 50 to 70 per cent of total fitout cost. Here are realistic 2026 Australian ranges to plan against.

• Power racks: a budget import runs $300 to $700, but it is typically 60x60x2mm steel, with limited accessories and short or no warranty, fine only for very light home use. For commercial floors, premium racks at $1,200 to $2,000 use 75x75x3mm steel, Westside hole spacing, a lifetime frame warranty and full accessory compatibility. Compare specs across our racks range and strength machines.
• Machines: a single commercial pin-loaded machine costs $3,000 to $6,000, and a full machine circuit of 10 to 15 stations runs $40,000 to $80,000.
• Cardio: this is where the residential to commercial gap is widest. A residential treadmill costs $800 to $2,000, while a commercial treadmill built for 8+ hours of continuous daily use costs $4,000 to $12,000. The same logic applies to commercial rowers.
• Flooring: a commercial gym of 200+ sqm needs $8,000 to $15,000+ for flooring alone, typically $40 to $70 per square metre for 15mm rubber or fire-rated tiles.
• Recovery: increasingly expected by members. An ice bath with chiller runs $2,500 to $10,000+ and an infrared sauna $3,000 to $7,000.

Beyond equipment, budget for the built environment. Industry cost guides put mirrors at $100 to $300 per m2, with a typical need of 20 to 60m2, walls and signage at $3,000 to $10,000 depending on size and complexity, and bathroom works from $3,000 to $8,000 for minor upgrades, or $10,000 to $15,000+ for building new bathrooms and showers.

Timelines: how long a fitout takes

Plan the sequence carefully. A straightforward mid-size fitout typically takes 8 to 12 weeks, complex projects with significant building works run 16 to 24 weeks, and the key is ordering long-lead-time items immediately and running building works in parallel. Made-to-order equipment is the usual bottleneck, so confirm lead times before you sign a lease with a fixed rent-free build period.

How VERVE compares to other Australian suppliers

Most established suppliers now offer a similar service spine: 2D or 3D design, a quote, delivery and install. The differences show up in manufacturing model, warranty and stock. This table names real competitors so you can shortlist honestly.

AlphaFit is a genuine strength if Australian manufacturing is your priority. Since its establishment in 2012, the vision for AlphaFit was to create fit-for-purpose and built-to-last Australian made gym equipment for Australians, and they design and build locally with a manufacturing facility on the Gold Coast covering approximately 6000m2. Gym Direct is another credible all-rounder: Gym Direct is an Education Australia-certified supplier, trusted for delivering complete commercial-grade gym fitouts from 2D/3D design to installation and training.

For imported brands like Rogue, REP Fitness and Bells of Steel, the caution is practical. Gym equipment is heavy and bulky, and shipping to Australia plus last-mile delivery adds significantly to cost, so Australian-based suppliers with local stock and warranty support provide better value than importing directly, despite higher sticker prices. Always read the fine print, because warranty terms vary a lot for commercial use, and many residential warranties do not cover use in a commercial environment at all.

Smart ways to spend the budget

A few principles consistently protect your return:

• Get the floor right first. Cheap flooring is a false economy because it is nearly impossible to replace once equipment is in place.
• Negotiate the whole order. A full gym fitout order often commands 10 to 20 per cent pricing negotiation room, and buying from one supplier usually unlocks better pricing and unified warranty support.
• Phase your equipment. Open with 70 per cent of planned equipment and use initial revenue to fund the remaining 30 per cent, because members do not need 15 treadmills on day one.
• Be selective on second-hand. Second-hand plate-loaded machines and benches from a reputable supplier can offer good value, but avoid second-hand cardio because wear on motors and belts is hard to assess and failure rates are higher.
• Consider finance. Equipment financing typically lets you spread equipment costs over 3 to 7 years while preserving working capital.

For brand-led commercial floors, VERVE's Arnold Series commercial range is worth comparing on spec and warranty against the imported alternatives.

Don't forget the non-equipment costs

Fitout quotes rarely cover everything. For large fitouts, delivery and installation can add $3,000 to $10,000, so always clarify whether quotes include delivery, installation, and commissioning. Beyond the fitout itself, gym operators also carry approvals, insurance and working capital, and most gyms need 3 to 6 months of operating expenses in working capital, often an additional $50,000 to $100,000 beyond setup costs. Build a buffer in early.

The bottom line

Budget $1,500 to $3,000 per square metre, expect equipment to swallow the majority of it, and plan for 8 to 24 weeks depending on building works. Buy commercial-grade where equipment gets hammered daily, phase the rest, and choose a supplier with local stock, real warranties and a design service. VERVE's free 3D design helps you optimise the floor plan before you commit to purchases, which is the single cheapest way to avoid an expensive mistake.