Bowker BMW and MINI in Blackburn has confirmed its first Destination Charging partnership with FX Fitness in Burnley, installing an AC charging point to support electric vehicle (EV) drivers visiting the leisure facility.
The collaboration enables EV and plug-in hybrid drivers to charge their vehicles while attending fitness sessions at FX Fitness. The charging point, installed by Bowker BMW, is part of BMW’s wider destination charging initiative designed to increase charging accessibility at non-residential locations across the UK.
Located on the Heasandford Industrial Estate in Burnley, FX Fitness offers strength and conditioning classes, HYROX, yoga, and personal training. The site will now host Level 2 AC BMW chargers, available to both FX Fitness members and visitors driving compatible BMW Group electric vehicles.
Jamie Kennedy, founder of FX Fitness, said: “We’ve got members who train at 6 am, 9 am, lunchtime and late into the evening – they’re in and out all day, and this makes it easy for them to get a decent top-up while they work out. I drive an EV myself, so I know how useful it is to plug in while you’re doing something else.”
The BMW and MINI Destination Charging programme allows businesses in the hospitality and leisure sectors to provide charging infrastructure on-site. Participating businesses are responsible for maintaining and promoting the chargers to visitors, and can choose whether to offer the service free of charge or monetise it.
The initiative is aimed at increasing charging convenience for BMW EV drivers when visiting hotels, restaurants, gyms and other destinations.
Bowker BMW Blackburn, part of the family-owned Bowker Motor Group, has become the first to implement the scheme in East Lancashire. The group operates authorised BMW and MINI centres in both Blackburn and Preston, and also offers EV servicing and home-charger installations across the region.
Chris Eccles, Head of Business at Bowker BMW and MINI in Blackburn, said: “It’s all about making EV driving easier. Burnley’s growing fast, and with FX just off the M65, it made perfect sense to start here. It’s good for BMW and MINI drivers, and good for local businesses who want to attract them.”
The new chargers at FX Fitness are now live and available to use, with visibility via in-car BMW navigation systems. Bowker BMW plans to expand its destination charging partnership network with local businesses throughout 2025 and beyond.
