Reform Studio brings a four-floor wellness destination to Newcastle's Quayside

One of the Quayside's most recognisable historic buildings has a new purpose. Reform Studio, a members-only health and wellness destination, opened in January 2026 at 9-11 The Side, in the listed building that was for many years home to the Side Gallery and, before that, a bookshop.

The studio is the creation of Victoria Darroch, who is originally from London and has been an adopted Geordie for 22 years. Her background is in finance, with more than two decades as a financial controller before moving into consultancy and working with small businesses across the region and within the NHS. "I've helped many small businesses across the North East grow," she says. "Now it's my turn to grow something of my own."

Spread across four floors and 3,000 sq ft, Reform Studio has two purpose-built studios hosting more than 72 classes a week, including reformer Pilates, barre, yoga and sound healing. It describes itself as home to the largest Pilates studio in the city. There is also a recovery suite with an infrared sauna and cold-plunge pool, a wellness cafe, a Reform Wear clothing boutique and a members-only secret garden overlooking the Tyne Bridge.

The timetable is designed around city life, with classes from 6am, non-sweaty lunchtime sessions for office workers and evening options. Members can pre-order healthy meals from the cafe and still be back at their desks within a lunch break. The studio also runs corporate wellness programmes, including a Know Your Numbers initiative with personalised 12-week wellbeing plans.

Victoria has practised Pilates since a young age and spent 15 years involved in CrossFit. "The Quayside is the perfect location: the river, the bridges, the space people already come to run, walk and clear their minds," she says.

The launch had regional backing too. Reform Studio was the very first investment from the £35m North East Elevate Fund, managed by FW Capital and championed by North East Mayor Kim McGuinness, who called the deal "a landmark moment for our region". The five-figure investment helped open the studio and create jobs, with a team of seven wellness professionals at launch.

Membership details and class timetables are available on the Reform Studio website.