A state-of-the-art open gym, small group training, and a top reformer pilates studio, all under one roof – welcome to the new home of FORM.
This leading Manchester fitness facility has undergone a pretty major transformation this year, more than doubling in size.
Where the gym once stood, you’ll now find the newest – and most stylish – pilates space in the city centre, with 10 reformer beds for intentionally small classes.
This is where you’ll find the best pilates instructors in the city, who’ll coach you through classic pilates moves to build a stronger, more balanced version of yourself.
If you’ve done any classes at RESET by FORM over in the Bloc building in the city centre (or, indeed, at their sister studio in Leeds), you’ll already know these are the best classes in town.
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Then the main FORM gym space has moved upstairs, taking over a huge space in the Riverside building in Manchester.
The boutique fitness brand’s new flagship HQ is packed with free weights, cardio equipment, machines, and a zone specifically for their small group training sessions, all looking out over a leafy courtyard through floor-to-ceiling windows.
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Whether you’re a seasoned pro at strength training or are stepping into a gym for the first time, FORM wants the gym to be a supportive, judgement-free zone.
Reformer pilates at FORMReformer pilates at FORMReformer pilates at FORM
And this is one of those fitness spaces where the coaches get just as excited about your progress as you do, whether you’re nailing your first teaser on a reformer bed, or hitting a new squat PB.
Whichever type of fitness journey you’re on, you’ll find a coaching-led approach to help you build confidence and longevity in your wellbeing.
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Libby Smith, Co-founder at FORM Riverside, said: “We know people want more from their gym experience now.
“FORM Riverside brings together reformer, strength training and coaching in one place, giving people the flexibility to build a routine that works for them, all within one membership designed to offer real value.”
The small group training zone at FORMHuge windows in the main gymCardio equipmentThe gym at FORM in Manchester
Ben Wood, Co-founder at FORM Riverside, added: “We’re super passionate about making fitness as inclusive and sustainable as possible, with an emphasis on long-term progress rather than quick fixes.
“Our incredible team of coaches and instructors are always on hand to ensure members get the most out of their time with us, whatever their starting point or goals. We’re proud of the community we’ve built and look forward to welcoming both new and familiar faces into the space.”
To mark the launch, FORM is offering one month unlimited introductory offer for £99, giving access to as many reformer pilates, strength training and coaching sessions as members can squeeze into the month.
Significant disruption in Manchester city centre as water pours down Portland Street
Daisy Jackson
A burst water main in Manchester city centre is causing ‘significant disruption’ today, with Piccadilly Gardens and Portland Street both closed.
Water can be seen pouring down Portland Street with a large crack visible in the road’s surface.
As a result of the leak, Bee Network buses are having to be rerouted and a huge number of routes are disrupted.
Piccadilly Gardens – the city’s main hub for bus connections – has been closed until repair work on the burst pipe is complete.
TfGM said: “A water leak on Portland Street is causing significant disruption in the city centre.
“Portland Street and Piccadilly Gardens will be closed until further notice while work takes to repair the pipe.
“This is affecting bus services using Portland Street and Piccadilly Gardens.”
Bus routes affected are: 15, 18, 30, 33, 38, 41, 42, 42A, 42B, 42C, 43, 50, 85, 85A, 86, 101, 103, 111, 142, 143, 191, 197, 250, 255, 256, 263, Free bus 1 and Free bus 2.
The burst water main on Portland StreetBoth Portland Street and Piccadilly Gardens are closed
A United Utilities spokesperson said: “We apologise for any inconvenience caused by a burst water main on Portland Street.
“Customer water supplies have not been affected, and our teams are on site working to isolate the damaged main and complete repairs as quickly as possible.
“We are working closely with the police, TfGM and the council to manage disruption and reopen the road as soon as possible.”
Alison Chew, TfGM’s Network Director for Bus, said: “Due to a burst water main on Portland Street, buses in Manchester city centre are currently being diverted.
“Portland Street and Piccadilly Gardens bus station will be closed until further notice while utility companies carry out emergency repairs. We’ve also got our teams across the city centre to support passengers to make their journeys.
“Anyone planning to travel in or out of the city centre is advised to check the TfGM website or Bee Network app for the latest updates, including a list of affected services.”
Manchester GPs can now ‘prescribe’ cost of living support to residents
Emily Sergeant
GPs are now able to offer prescription-style support with the cost of living to residents in Manchester.
It’s no secret that the cost of living crisis has, unfortunately, been continuing to make itself known across the country for the past couple of years, and despite recent Government intervention in the form of new Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s series of ‘everyday fixes’, it sadly doesn’t seem to be going away anytime soon.
But now it’s been revealed that Greater Manchester residents can be ‘prescribed’ cost of living support when they visit their local GP.
For patients who patients need help with bills, debts, benefits, or affording food, GPs can now provide them with details of Manchester’s free cost of living advice line.
That means that, for anyone whose mental or physical health is being affected by financial worries, GPs can simply tear a page that contains all the details they need for the advice line from a block that looks like a prescription pad, and hand it to the patient.
Alternatively, the GP can also ‘refer’ the patient straight into the service online in a similar way to making a referral to a specialist or consultant.
Manchester GPs can now ‘prescribe’ cost of living support to residents / Credit: Towfiqu Barbhuiya | Mylo Kaye (via Unsplash)
Once a resident makes contact with the free cost of living advice line – which started back in October 2022, and has helped thousands of people since – they can receive a wide range of advice on issues like energy costs and rent, to help with getting online, and so much more.
The Council also says that recent figures show there is an increasing number of calls or requests around help with rent or benefits and support with food or foodbanks, which is why it has chosen to introduce this ‘innovate’ move.
“We don’t want anyone to feel like they are becoming lost under competing financial pressures, worries about putting food on the table, or keeping a roof over their heads,” commented Cllr Tracey Rawlins, who is the Deputy Leader at Manchester City Council.
“We really want to help before worries become a problem,” she added. “The team on the advice line keep all information in confidence and they want to help.”
Daisy Jackson -
25th May 2026 
