Choosing a Location for Your BJJ Gym: Complete UK Guide

Many aspiring gym owners fall in love with a specific property—great price, nice space, available now—and sign a lease without systematic analysis. This emotional decision often leads to struggling gyms that never reach viability.

Location affects every aspect of your business:

• Member Acquisition: 80% of members live within 15-20 minutes of your gym. Wrong location = wrong demographics = constant struggle to fill classes
• Pricing Power: Affluent areas support £100-£120/month memberships; lower-income areas struggle above £60-£70/month. Location determines your revenue ceiling
• Competition: Opening 2 miles from an established 100-member gym means fighting for scraps. Location determines whether you're in a saturated or underserved market
• Operating Costs: Central London costs 3-4x regional towns for equivalent space, fundamentally affecting your break-even member count
• Long-Term Commitment: Commercial leases typically run 3-5 years. Signing the wrong lease traps you in an unviable location, burning through capital whilst trying to make it work

This guide provides a systematic framework. Don't skip steps based on gut feeling—use data and analysis to make this critical decision.

Follow this seven-step framework systematically to evaluate potential locations:

1. Demographics Analysis: Who lives and works in the area? Do they match your target market profile?
2. Competitive Analysis: How many competitors exist? Is the market saturated or underserved?
3. Accessibility Factors: Can people easily get to your gym? Is parking available?
4. Space Requirements: Will the space accommodate your projected member count and programmes?
5. Property Type Evaluation: What type of property suits your budget and brand positioning?
6. Lease Considerations: Are the lease terms fair and sustainable long-term?
7. Due Diligence: Have you verified everything with professional help before signing?

Each step eliminates unsuitable locations until you identify 2-3 strong candidates worth detailed evaluation. Don't rush—invest 4-8 weeks researching locations before committing to leases.

Demographics analysis proves sufficient demand exists in your catchment area. Use free UK data sources to research objectively rather than guessing.

Population Density Requirements:

• Minimum Viable: 20,000-30,000 people within 15-minute drive
• Comfortable: 50,000+ people within 15-minute drive
• Urban Adjustment: Smaller radius works in dense cities (5-mile radius London vs 10-mile radius suburban areas)
• Tools: Use Google Maps to draw radius around potential locations, then check ONS Census data for population within that area

Age Demographics (25-45 Prime Market):

• Target: Areas with 30-50% of population aged 25-45 years
• University Areas: Large 18-25 population offers high volume but price-sensitive members, high turnover (graduates leave), seasonal gaps (summer holidays)
• Family Areas: 30-45 age group has higher disposable income, more stable, excellent for kids classes. Look for areas with high proportion of families with children aged 5-15
• Retirement Areas: Avoid unless specifically targeting senior fitness programmes—limited BJJ market in 65+ demographics
• Data Source: ONS Nomis provides free age demographic breakdowns by local authority and ward

Income Levels (Disposable Income Indicators):

• Target: Median household income £30,000+ ideal for sustainable membership base
• Professional Areas: Look for areas with high proportion of professional and skilled occupations (office workers, teachers, healthcare, tech)
• Avoid Lowest Quartile: Very low-income areas (<£25,000 median household income) struggle with price sensitivity and higher membership churn
• Sweet Spot: Middle-income areas (£30,000-£60,000 household income) often better than ultra-wealthy areas due to less competition and more committed members seeking value
• Data Source: ONS provides Small Area Model-Based Income Estimates at MSOA (Middle Layer Super Output Area) level, though full postcode-level data isn't available due to statistical robustness concerns

Education Levels (University Areas Often Good):

• Correlation: Higher education correlates with BJJ interest—university degree holders are over-represented in BJJ demographics
• University Towns: Cambridge, Oxford, Bristol, Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham all have thriving BJJ scenes partly due to educated populations
• Graduate-Dense Areas: Areas with high proportion of degree holders show better retention and more engaged member communities
• Data Source: Census 2021 qualification data via Nomis provides highest qualification levels by local authority

Gender Balance (If Targeting Women's Programmes):

• Check Male/Female Split: Areas with balanced or slightly female-majority populations better for women's programmes
• Single Women/Young Professionals: Areas with large populations of single women aged 25-40 are excellent for women's self-defence and empowerment programmes
• Family Areas: Mums seeking fitness and empowerment respond well to women's BJJ marketing

Family vs Young Professional Areas:

• Young Professionals: Evening and weekend classes preferred, higher attendance consistency, less reliance on kids programmes, more disposable income for private lessons and seminars
• Family Areas: Kids classes become essential (often 30-40% of total revenue), daytime classes for parents (if offering), more cancellations during school holidays, family discount expectations

Use free tools including Nomis, ONS Census data, and local authority demographic profiles to research systematically.

Map every competitor within your catchment area to assess market saturation and identify gaps you can exploit.

Existing BJJ Gyms (Radius Analysis):

• Urban Areas: Check 5-mile radius
• Suburban Areas: Check 10-mile radius
• Rural Areas: Check 15-mile radius
• Too Close: <3 miles urban, <5 miles suburban means direct competition for same members
• Ideal Distance: 5+ miles urban, 8+ miles suburban creates distinct territories
• If Competition Exists: You need clear differentiation strategy (women's focus, kids specialists, competition team, beginner-friendly culture, superior facilities)

Research Methods:

• Google Maps search: "bjj near [area]", "brazilian jiu jitsu [area]", "martial arts [area]"
• Visit competitor gyms: Take trial classes, assess quality, observe members, note pricing, check facilities
• Social media research: Facebook and Instagram activity levels, engagement, member testimonials, class photos
• Reviews: Google Reviews, Facebook reviews, Trustpilot—read critically for strengths and weaknesses
• Governing body directories: UKBJJA and BJJA affiliate lists

Based on our research, UK BJJ has grown dramatically with membership increasing from 10,000 in 2016 to over 40,000 in 2025, and clubs growing by more than 200% to exceed 300 nationwide. However, distribution is uneven—London is saturated whilst many regional areas remain underserved.

Market Saturation Indicators:

• Undersaturated: 1 BJJ gym per 100,000+ people (excellent opportunity)
• Healthy Competition: 1 BJJ gym per 30,000-50,000 people (viable with good execution)
• Saturated: 1 BJJ gym per <20,000 people (differentiation critical, consider alternative location)

Calculate your area's ratio: Population ÷ Number of BJJ gyms. If the ratio is above 50,000, market opportunity exists.

Other Martial Arts Schools (Complementary vs Competitive):

• Karate, Taekwondo, Judo: Some crossover but different markets (karate/TKD more striking-focused, judo similar grappling but different culture)
• MMA/Muay Thai: More direct competition as these attract combat sports enthusiasts who might otherwise choose BJJ
• Traditional Schools: Often cater to kids and families with different value propositions (discipline, respect, tradition vs functional self-defence)
• Established Schools Indicate: Martial arts interest in area (positive sign) but you need differentiation

Fitness Gyms (Budget Competition):

• CrossFit: Middle-class, fitness-focused demographic with excellent overlap with BJJ—these areas often support multiple specialist fitness facilities
• MMA Gyms: Direct competition if they offer BJJ classes
• Boxing Gyms: Combat sports interest indicator
• Globo Gyms (PureGym, The Gym): Different market entirely—convenience and price vs community and specialisation. Not direct competitors

Members choose gyms they can easily access. Accessibility often outweighs other factors when members decide where to train.

Parking Availability (CRITICAL in UK):

• UK Members Drive: Unlike some European cities, UK gym members predominantly drive to training, especially for evening classes after work
• Minimum: On-street parking within 100m that's free or affordable
• Ideal: Dedicated free car park with 10-20 spaces
• Urban Exception: Central London and major city centres can work without parking if excellent public transport available
• Evening Parking Critical: Check availability at peak training times (6-9pm weekdays). Daytime available parking that becomes permit-only or metered in evenings kills membership
• Red Flags: Permit-only parking zones, paid parking after 6pm, no parking within 200m, loading bays only (members get tickets)

Visit potential locations on Tuesday-Thursday evenings 7-8pm to assess real parking availability during your peak hours.

Public Transport Links:

• Urban (Essential): Train or Underground station within 15 minutes walk, multiple bus routes nearby
• Suburban (Nice to Have): Bus routes helpful but not essential if good parking
• Check Last Services: Can members get home after 9pm classes? Some bus routes stop at 8pm, stranding members
• Young Professional Areas: Public transport more important (many don't own cars)

Walking Distance from Residential Areas:

• Ideal: Within 10-minute walk of dense housing (apartments, terraced housing)
• Check Walkability: Well-lit streets, safe neighbourhoods, footpaths available
• Evening Safety: Would women feel safe walking alone at 9pm? If not, you'll lose female members

Bike Storage:

• Growing Consideration: Especially in Cambridge, Oxford, Bristol, London—cities with cycling cultures
• Minimum: Sheffield stands (secure bike parking) outside premises
• Premium: Indoor secure bike storage room

Visibility from Main Roads:

• High Street Frontage: Maximum visibility, attracts walk-ins, builds brand awareness. Trade-off: Premium cost (£15-£40/sq ft/year vs £6-£12 for industrial)
• Side Streets: Lower cost but requires stronger marketing, less organic discovery
• Industrial Estates: Minimal visibility, almost entirely word-of-mouth dependent, but lowest costs
• Signage Opportunities: Can you place directional signs on main roads pointing to your gym? Some landlords and councils prohibit this

Balance visibility against cost. High street frontage looks great but 2-3x higher rent means you need 60-80 members to break even vs 30-40 for industrial unit.

Understand minimum, comfortable, and optimal space sizes to accommodate your projected membership and programme mix.

Minimum Viable: 1,000 sq ft (Training Area Only):

• Capacity: 10-15 members per class maximum
• Characteristics: Very tight for warm-ups and drilling, limited to 1-2 drilling pairs side-by-side
• Suitable For: Part-time or evening-only gyms, testing market viability, extremely budget-constrained startups
• Limitations: Cannot accommodate growth beyond 40-50 total active members without adding class times

Comfortable: 1,500-2,000 sq ft:

• Capacity: 20-25 members per class comfortably
• Characteristics: Room for proper warm-ups, 3-4 drilling pairs working simultaneously, space for technique demonstrations
• Industry Standard: Most successful UK startup BJJ gyms fall in this range
• Best Balance: Cost vs capacity—£1,000-£1,800/month rent in regional areas, accommodates 80-120 total active members

Optimal: 2,500+ sq ft:

• Capacity: 30+ members per class
• Characteristics: Multiple classes simultaneously (fundamentals in one area, advanced in another), competition team dedicated space, larger changing rooms and reception
• Growth Capacity: Accommodate 150-200+ total active members without relocating
• Retail/Amenities: Space for pro shop, lounge area, viewing area for parents
• Cost: £1,800-£4,000/month depending on location—requires larger member base to sustain

Don't Forget Additional Spaces (Beyond Mat Area):

• Changing Rooms: Minimum 100 sq ft each for male/female (legal requirement for adequate changing facilities)
• Toilets: Minimum 1 per gender, ideally 2 each for gyms with 30+ members per class
• Reception Area: 50-100 sq ft for desk, waiting area, retail display
• Storage: 100-200 sq ft for gis, equipment, cleaning supplies, maintenance items
• Office Space: 50 sq ft for admin work, private member conversations, Zoom meetings
• Total Add-On: 400-600 sq ft beyond pure mat space

Example: 1,500 sq ft total space = 1,100 sq ft mat area + 400 sq ft changing rooms, toilets, reception, storage.

Ceiling Height:

• Minimum: 2.5m (8ft 2in)—feels cramped, limits some techniques
• Comfortable: 3m (10ft)—industry standard, allows all techniques
• Optimal: 3.5m+ (11ft+)—spacious feel, excellent for photography/video, impressive to visitors
• Red Flag: <2.5m—avoid entirely, creates claustrophobic atmosphere and limits jumping guard, throws

Floor Considerations:

• Ideal: Level concrete (stable, easy to clean, perfect mat base)
• Acceptable: Solid wooden floor if stable and level (check for bounce—excessive spring is problematic)
• Avoid: Uneven floors (mats won't lay flat, creates ankle injury risks), carpet (must be removed, adds cost £500-£2,000)

According to UK building regulations, gyms must comply with fire safety requirements including adequate fire exits and occupancy limits. For spaces with single exits, maximum occupancy is capped at 60 persons. Exit doors must be minimum 750mm wide (accommodates 100 people) or 900mm for wheelchair access. Consult your local building control authority for specific requirements as these affect your maximum class sizes.

Different property types offer distinct trade-offs between cost, location, facilities, and flexibility.

Industrial Units (Most Common for UK BJJ Gyms):

• Pros: Most affordable (£6-£12/sq ft/year regional areas), good ceiling height (often 3.5-5m), solid concrete floors perfect for mats, flexible landlords, parking usually available, loading areas useful for deliveries
• Cons: Often out-of-town locations, poor visibility from main roads, industrial aesthetic requires investment to create welcoming atmosphere, may feel "cold" without proper heating/insulation
• Cost Example: 1,500 sq ft industrial unit in Birmingham: £800-£1,200/month
• Best For: Startup gyms, budget-conscious owners, areas where rent is primary concern, gyms with established member base less reliant on passing trade

Leisure Centres (Partnership Arrangements):

• Pros: Facilities included (changing rooms, toilets, parking, reception), very low setup cost, built-in footfall from leisure centre members, instant credibility from council association
• Cons: Limited hours available (typically evenings/weekends only), space shared with other activities (badminton, basketball), landlord can terminate easily (short-term licenses common), no branding control (you're a tenant, not the facility), revenue share arrangements may be onerous
• Cost: £20-£50/hour or profit-share arrangement (e.g., 70/30 split after costs)
• Best For: Part-time instructors, testing market without capital commitment, areas with uncertain demand, building membership before committing to dedicated premises

Community Centres (Rental Agreements):

• Pros: Very affordable (£15-£30/hour), accessible locations often in residential areas, community goodwill and trust, available evenings and weekends
• Cons: No dedicated space (other groups use same hall), limited available hours, must setup and pack down every session (30-45 minutes), cannot leave mats permanently laid, difficult to build "gym" identity vs "class in community centre"
• Cost: £100-£400/month for 2-3 sessions weekly
• Best For: Absolute beginners with minimal capital (£3,000-£5,000 total startup), side projects whilst keeping day job, building 20-30 member base before transitioning to dedicated premises

Converted Retail (High Street Opportunities):

• Pros: Maximum visibility on high streets, passing trade and walk-ins, professional appearance, town centre locations convenient for office workers, good for brand building
• Cons: Expensive (£15-£40/sq ft/year), limited or expensive parking, restrictive leases (use class restrictions, shop front requirements), high business rates, typically require significant fit-out investment
• Cost Example: 1,500 sq ft retail unit in Reading town centre: £2,500-£4,000/month
• Best For: Established gyms relocating with proven demand, high-volume membership models targeting 150+ members, strong brand positioning, areas where visibility justifies premium cost

Since the 2020 planning use class changes, gyms now fall within use class E (commercial, business and service) rather than the historical D2 (assembly and leisure) classification. However, verify with your local planning authority that your intended use is permitted under the property's current planning consent.

Business rates from April 2026 will use new multipliers favouring retail, hospitality and leisure (RHL) properties. Gyms benefit from permanently lower multipliers: 38.2p for properties below £51,000 rateable value (RV), 43.0p for RV £51,000-£499,999. This is more favourable than industrial properties, which face a 28.6% increase in rateable value at the 2026 revaluation.

UK commercial leases are complex legal documents with long-term obligations. Never sign without solicitor review—legal fees of £500-£1,500 are cheap compared to escaping bad lease terms.

FRI Leases (Full Repairing and Insuring):

• What It Means: Tenant responsible for ALL repairs, insurance, and maintenance including roof, structure, external walls, drains
• Risk: Roof repair costs £10,000-£50,000; structural issues can bankrupt small businesses
• Negotiation: Try to negotiate Internal Repairing Only (IRO) lease where landlord retains structural repair obligations
• Essential: Get professional building survey before signing FRI lease (£300-£800)—reveals hidden repair liabilities

Break Clauses (Importance of 3-Year Breaks):

• Purpose: Allows you to exit lease early if business fails or location doesn't work
• Standard: Try to negotiate break clause at year 3 even on 5-year or 10-year leases
• Notice Period: Typically requires 6-12 months written notice before break date
• Critical for Startups: Don't sign 5-year lease with no break clause—if gym fails in year 2, you're liable for remaining 3 years rent (£20,000-£100,000+ depending on location)

Rent Reviews (Upward-Only Danger):

• Frequency: Typically every 3-5 years in longer leases
• Upward-Only: Most UK commercial leases only allow rent increases, never decreases (even if market rents fall)
• Negotiation: Request fixed percentage increases (e.g., 2-3% per year) rather than market rate reviews
• Financial Planning: Model 3% annual rent increases in your long-term projections

Use Class Verification:

• Current System: Since September 2020, gyms fall within use class E (previously D2 assembly and leisure)
• Critical Check: Verify property has E classification or you can obtain it
• Change of Use: If property currently has different use class, changing takes 8-12 weeks and costs £462+ (2026 planning fees)
• Landlord Approval: Some landlords refuse use class changes—verify before committing
• Red Flag: Property marketed as retail (historical A1) or office (B1) without confirmed ability to obtain E classification

Alterations Permissions:

• What You Need: Written permission to install mats, mirrors, changing rooms, partitions, signage
• Get It in Lease: Verbal assurances mean nothing—ensure lease explicitly permits your alterations
• Reinstatement Clauses: Some leases require removing all alterations at end of lease (returning to original condition). Factor reinstatement costs (£5,000-£20,000) into exit planning

Subletting Rights:

• Revenue Opportunity: Sublet to yoga instructors, Muay Thai coaches, personal trainers during quiet daytime hours
• Some Leases Prohibit: Entirely or require landlord consent (often "not to be unreasonably withheld")
• Value: Subletting can generate £500-£1,500/month additional income, significantly improving profitability

Security of Tenure (Landlord and Tenant Act 1954):

• Standard Protection: Automatic right to renew lease at end of term under same terms
• Contracted Out: Some leases exclude this protection—landlord can refuse renewal
• Risk: If contracted out, you have no renewal rights—landlord can terminate at lease end regardless of your gym's success
• Negotiation: Try to maintain security of tenure (not contracted out) for long-term stability

Some property issues are dealbreakers. Walk away or negotiate hard to address these red flags before signing.

Residential Above (Noise Complaints):

• Problem: Grappling creates significant noise—body slams, takedowns, drilling on mats
• Inevitable Result: Noise complaints from residents above or adjacent
• Legal Risk: Environmental health can force operating hour reductions or closure via noise abatement notices
• Exception: Exceptional soundproofing (floating floors, acoustic ceiling panels, rubber underlays) costs £5,000-£15,000 but may work
• Recommendation: Avoid unless landlord guarantees soundproofing or provides written confirmation residents aware of and accept gym use

Inadequate Ceiling Height (<2.5m):

• Problems: Feels cramped and claustrophobic, limits techniques (jumping guard, throws, high kicks if offering MMA), poor ventilation leads to excessive heat
• Member Experience: Members notice and complain—affects retention and reputation
• Recommendation: Walk away from any space below 2.5m ceiling height

Poor Structural Condition:

• Warning Signs: Cracked walls, water damage, damp patches, mould, damaged roof, broken windows
• FRI Lease Risk: If signing FRI lease, YOU pay for all repairs
• Essential: Professional building survey (£300-£800) before signing any commercial lease, especially FRI
• Negotiation: If structural issues identified, negotiate landlord repairs before lease commencement or walk away

Restrictive Covenants:

• What They Are: Legal restrictions on property use written into title deeds
• Examples: "No businesses generating noise after 6pm", "No sports or leisure activities", "No commercial use"
• Check: Solicitor reviews title deeds and identifies restrictive covenants
• Risk: Breach of covenant can result in court injunctions forcing closure

Short Leases Without Security:

• Problem: 1-2 year leases with no renewal rights or security of tenure
• Risk: Invest £15,000-£30,000 in fit-out and mats, then lose premises after 18 months when landlord refuses renewal
• Recommendation: Minimum 3-year lease with break clause at year 3, preferably 5 years with break at year 3

No Disabled Access:

• Legal Requirement: Equality Act 2010 requires reasonable adjustments for disabled people accessing services
• Ground Floor Ideal: Step-free access, accessible toilets, wide doors (900mm for wheelchairs)
• Upper Floors: Require lift or must demonstrate reasonable adjustments (alternative ground-floor classes, home visit options, etc.)
• Non-Compliance Risk: Discrimination claims, reputational damage, limits addressable market

The Equality Act doesn't prescribe specific requirements but establishes duty to make reasonable adjustments. Consult with disability access consultants or your local authority for guidance on what constitutes reasonable for your property type and budget.

Different types of UK areas require different location strategies, pricing, and programming approaches.

Urban (Cities: London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds):

• Strategy: Smaller space (1,200-1,500 sq ft keeps rent manageable), premium pricing (£100-£140/month justified by convenience and target market), office worker focus (lunchtime and evening classes 6-8pm)
• Pros: High population density, strong public transport, disposable income, young professional demographics
• Cons: Expensive rent (£1,500-£4,000/month for suitable space), parking difficult or expensive, intense competition from established gyms
• Target Membership: 100-150 active members needed to break even in London; 70-100 in other major cities
• Location Priorities: Public transport access > parking availability; visibility helpful but not essential if strong digital marketing

Suburban (Towns: Reading, Cambridge, Milton Keynes):

• Strategy: Family-friendly approach (kids classes essential for 30-40% of revenue), larger space (1,800-2,500 sq ft for multiple age groups), car parking non-negotiable, moderate pricing (£70-£100/month)
• Pros: Balance of affordability and market size, strong family demographics, available parking, less competition than urban cores
• Cons: Must offer kids programmes (requires different skills and insurance), seasonal fluctuations more pronounced (school holidays), more marketing effort needed than city centres
• Target Membership: 120-180 total (adults + kids) to reach profitability
• Location Priorities: Parking availability > public transport; proximity to schools valuable for kids classes

Rural (Villages, Small Towns):

• Strategy: Community hub approach (serve wide area, 15-20 mile radius), larger space affordable (2,000+ sq ft), low pricing (£50-£80/month), broad programming (BJJ + general fitness + kids + women's self-defence)
• Pros: Very affordable rent (£500-£900/month for large spaces), tight-knit community loyalty, minimal competition
• Cons: Small population requires serving wide geographic area, members travel further (weather affects attendance more), limited demographic diversity, must be generalist vs specialist
• Target Membership: 80-120 active members from 20-mile radius
• Location Priorities: Central village/town location, visible from main road, large car park essential (members driving 15-20 miles)

Before signing any commercial lease, complete this comprehensive due diligence checklist with professional help.

Building Survey (Essential for FRI Leases):

• Cost: £300-£800 depending on property size
• Surveyor Inspects: Structure, roof, damp, electrics, plumbing, heating, drains
• Reveals: Hidden repair liabilities that could cost £10,000-£50,000
• Outcome: Use survey findings to negotiate landlord repairs or adjust rent to account for required works

Lease Lawyer Review (Non-Negotiable):

• Cost: £500-£1,500
• What Solicitor Does: Reviews lease terms, explains your obligations, identifies dangerous clauses, negotiates improvements, ensures use class permits gym operation
• Red Flags Caught: FRI obligations, upward-only rent reviews, no break clauses, restrictive covenants, subletting prohibitions
• Value: £1,000 legal fee can save £50,000+ in avoided bad lease terms over 5 years

Planning Permission Check:

• Verify: Property has use class E or you can obtain it
• Where to Check: Local authority planning department (free inquiry)
• If Change Needed: Planning application takes 8-12 weeks, costs £462+ (2026 fees, subject to annual inflation adjustment)
• Risk: Some areas have local planning policies restricting gym uses in certain zones—check before committing

Utility Capacity Check:

• Electricity: Is supply adequate? Check fuse board capacity, may need upgrade (£1,000-£5,000)
• Water Pressure: Adequate for showers if included? Test taps during site visit
• Gas: Available if needed for heating? Connection costs £500-£2,000 if not currently connected
• Who Pays: Clarify in lease whether utilities are tenant responsibility (usual) or included in rent (rare)

Noise/Vibration Assessment:

• Visit at Training Times: Go to property during proposed training hours (e.g., Tuesday 7pm)
• Check Neighbours: Offices (close at 5pm, no issue), residents (potential complaints), medical practices (noise-sensitive)
• Test Acoustics: Clap loudly, shout, drop something heavy—does it echo? Do adjacent units react?
• Ask Landlord: Any previous noise complaints from this unit or adjacent units?

Traffic and Parking Assessment:

• Visit at Peak Times: Tuesday-Thursday 6-9pm (your peak training hours)
• Check Parking: Actually available or all spaces taken by 6pm office workers who don't leave until 7pm?
• Check Traffic: Can members easily access? Congestion during rush hour?
• Check Safety: Well-lit after dark? Safe neighbourhood? Would women walk alone at 9pm?