Battling city gym bosses stay positive
Demolition option put before planners
The operators of a Perth gym earmarked for demolition have vowed to keep fighting to retain the facility.
We revealed on Friday that planning officials had backed a proposal to bulldoze the Fit4less building and erect 12 flats, despite saying the loss of the facility would be “regrettable”.
Councillors are set to discuss the plans at a planning and development meeting later this week.
And bosses at Fit4less have told the PA they have not given up hope.
In a statement, energie Fitness Scotland said: “We are extremely disappointed by the recommendation to approve the planning application.
“We are assessing all options available to us at present and still hope for a positive outcome from the meeting.
“We would like to thank our members and everyone in the community who has supported us and recognises the value of the health and wellbeing service we provide.
“Once a decision has been made by the committee we will release a further statement and be in contact with our members directly.”
Over 30 people objected to the plan. They detailed issues such as a loss of jobs, loss of a gym facility and loss of footfall into the city as reasons to retain the facility.
But in a report to councillors, officers say: “Clearly the proposal involves the loss of commercial premises and the letters of representation make it clear that the gym facility and staff have provided benefits to users of the facility and the wider community, and that the loss of the gym would have wider
We would like to thank our members and everyone in the community who has supported us Gym bosses
health implications for the local population.
“The loss of the facility is regrettable for those who use it but access to fitness and wellbeing facilities are still available in the area.
“Typically gyms tend to be small employers although the business can bring large numbers of users into the area. Therefore the use may generate a footfall within the city centre but this would not be considered to be at a level where the loss of the gym would directly lead to a downturn in trade in the wider area.
“The provision of the proposed flats, although not bringing in the same number of users, may see an increase in spending in the city centre through the use of facilities, shopping and through increased night-time use which is to be encouraged.”
The gym has around 1200 members and eight members of staff, although it is currently closed due to the COVID-19 restrictions.