A new gym could open soon in Patchway following the submission of a planning application to change the permitted usage of a unit in the Smith’s Complex, near Patchway Roundabout.
The application, registered with South Gloucestershire Council on 19th December, seeks to change the use of the building from ‘retail store’ (class A1) to ‘fitness studio’ (class D2).
Signage on the building declares that the ‘A&A Fitness Studio’ will be opening soon, offering zumba, spin, body pump, yoga and pilates classes.
Internally, refitting of the former DIY store has been underway for some weeks.
According to the planning application, the unit has an allocation of just two parking spaces but it is stated that an agreement has been made to allow customers of the fitness studio to use the car park of “the church opposite” (assumed to be Holy Family RC Church).
The 80 sqm facility will open 7am to 9pm Monday to Friday and between 8am and 2pm on Saturdays. It will provide work for two full-time and three part-time employees.
The absence of a gym within the Patchway town boundaries was remarked on in a recent address made to the Town Council, as part of the Priority Neighbourhoods initiative.
The meeting was told that nearly one third of Patchway’s adult population is obese and this is the highest proportion of all five Priority Neighbourhoods in South Gloucestershire.
The Patchway Priority Neighbourhood Plan includes an action to set up a gym at Patchway Community Centre in Rodway Road.
