"Iconic" former Gosport Gym targeted by arsonists for the second time with another fire at the site
An iconic former Gosport Gym is believed to have been targeted by arsonists for the second time with a fire at the site.
Firefighters tackled a blaze at the main building at the former 'Don Styler's Physical Training Centre' in Monks Walk, near Heritage Way on Sunday evening. It follows the first in August at ‘the end building’ of the former gym with the family of Don Styler losing a treasure-trove of memories as a result.
His family believe arsonists are to blame for both fires.
Hampshire Fire and Rescue confirmed it was called and dealt with the fire at the weekend. It said: “Crews from Gosport and Fareham attended a fire at a derelict property on Monks Walk at around 7.15am on 2nd November. Firefighters used a hose reel jet and foam to put out the fire and left the scene at just after 9am.
“A crew from Gosport returned later to reinspect the site and damp down any hotspots. Information on this incident has been passed to the police.”
Hampshire Police has confirmed to The News that it was contacted by the fire service and is looking into its report.
In a statement it added: “The fire service attended on Sunday 2 November and the report has been passed to the Neighbourhood Policing Team review.”
Don was an iconic figure in the community, and his gym much-loved, being frequented by many generations of locals as well as famous names - including Arnold Schwarzenegger.