Richard Branson's Virgin Active group exercises leasing deal at Leighton Properties' 567 Collins Street development

Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Active Australia gym chain has pre-committed to lease 4,400 square metres of space at Leighton Properties' 567 Collins Street office development with plans for a state-of-the-art health club.

It will be the second Virgin Active gym in the Melbourne CBD, with a branch currently operating on Bourke Street.

The Collins Street branch will include a 25m pool, aqua lounge and sauna, interactive cycle studio, dedicated mind & body studios, Power Plate studio, indoor climbing walls and cafe.

The leasing deal with Virgin means the 567 Collins Street development, currently under construction and due for completion in 2015, is now 50% leased.

Other tenants include Leighton Contractors who will lease 12,700 square metres and law firm Corrs Chambers Westgarth who will lease 8,800 square metres.

The 26 storey building includes a 2-3 level high foyer comprising a lobby, cafe and retail component, seven levels of podium campus office and 16 levels of upper tower office with a net lettable area of around 55,000 square metres.

The 26-level building will be located between Spencer and King Streets within 100 metres of Southern Cross Station and close to the city's three main activities districts - the CBD, Docklands and Southbank. 

567 Collins Street was acquired by Investa Office Fund (IOF) and Investa Commercial Property Fund (ICPF) earlier this year.

Announcing the deal, the flamboyant Virgin boss said he was delighted that the Virgin Active busines was expanding in Australia.

"The business has been incredibly well received by Australians who love our approach to health and fitness and we look forward to opening many more clubs across the country,” Sir Richard said.