Build to rent developer has announced a partnership with hero, a new digital wellness company founded by the former boss of WeWork and Virgin Active.

Joe Gaunt was most recently the UK managing director at the $35bn co-working giant before setting up hero, a digital wellness platform. The partnership aims to go one step further than simply creating gyms and shared amenities, by forging a more open and inclusive approach to supporting its residents’ physical, social and mental wellbeing.

Johnny Caddick, managing director at Moda, said:

“Our focus is to provide the healthiest possible environments alongside a great living experience cutting out the hassle and uncertainty that usually comes with renting. Loneliness and mental health are in issues facing society. Our aim is to create happy, healthy and productive communities that can helpallieviate the daily pressures of city living.”

The first hero training club will occupy the ground floor of Moda’s Manchester 35-storey 466-home build-to-rent scheme Angel Gardens when it completes next year. The training club will be split into four zones, to reflect four disciplines; Stronger, Athletic, Cardio and Rejuvenate. Unlike traditional gyms, members will either work out with a personal trainer or as part of a group class. Hero’s innovative tech encourages people to live healthier lifestyles, pulling analytics from wearables used to track sleep, movement, nutrition and mood, as well as 3D body scanning, to help its members understand and set goals to improve their wellbeing.

Joe Gaunt, founder of hero, said:

“Whether you’re a footballer, a researcher, a plumber or a teacher, the principles surrounding wellbeing and lifestyle are the same. But we feel traditional gyms and healthcare aren’t tailored to individuals and don’t provide enough personal insight and support to help people achieve their unique goals. We believe we have the right mix to benefit our communities and using technology as an enabler we can better inform and educate people to make healthy choices. By partnering with Moda, we want to help enhance the experience for those living in city centres and bring all aspects of wellbeing and health right to the fore.”