Edinburgh retail unit to be transformed into new 24-hour gym after Chesser plans approved despite objections
An Edinburgh retail park unit is set to be transformed into a new 24-hour gym after the change of use plans were approved despite objections from locals.
BP Investment Management Ltd submitted plans in September to turn the unit at 2 Fruitmarket Place into a new 24-hour JD Gym. The vacant 698sqm Chesser unit was formerly a Poundland store and is located within Edinburgh West Retail Park, between the Aldi and M&S Food stores.
Approving the plans on January 6, the council’s chief planning officer David Givan said: “The proposal complies with the development plan as it is in accordance with the LDP and NPF 4.
“The gym is acceptable as an appropriate proportion of retail units in the local centre will be retained and it complements its character and would not be detrimental to its vitality or viability.
“It re-uses brownfield land, contributes towards sustainable living and is acceptable on transport matters. No adverse impact on amenity is anticipated.
“The gym would provide a leisure facility in an accessible, sustainable location near a train station, bus stops, footways and homes. In this regard it has the potential to contribute to sustainable living.”
The approved proposal will see the installation of a 683sqm mezzanine and change the use of the unit to a gym Class 11.
However, the plans received three objections from local residents, who are concerned that the new gym will affect traffic in the area, and they highlighted an over-provision of gyms in the area and a preference for retail provision at the retail park.
One local resident said: “There are enough gyms in the area. A retail shop is preferred. There is also enough traffic in the area, it could not cope with any more, especially at the weekends.”
While another added: “This will impact negatively in the neighbours since commercial space is much more needed and serves to a broader population.
“Also, this will affect negatively the people that rely on vehicle use to do their food shopping in the retail park since the parking space is limited and the use of gym facilities requires longer parking stays.”
There was one note of support for the plans on the council’s online planning portal, with a local resident stating: “I live close by, a 24-hour gym with convenient parking would be a good addition to the area, there are three budget retailers still right beside, so the loss of one does not meaningfully reduce shopping options in this retail park.”
In the planning documents, the applicant said of the plans: "The proposed gym will enhance vitality and viability by being open outwith normal shopping hours and encourage a mix of uses."
The applicant proposes eight visitor cycle parking spaces to the front of the building and two cycle spaces internally.
The applicant now has three years to carry out the change of use at the retail park in Chesser, and prior to commencement of development, full details of cycle provision shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority, and implemented before the new gym opens for business.
Another condition attached to the approval is that the floor shown within the red line boundary on the approved plans shall be restricted to gymnasium use only.
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