24-hour gym plan is given go-ahead
ANEW gym is set to open inside The Ribble Buildings on Lord Street in Southport.
Sefton Council’s planning department has granted planning permission for the scheme for Unit 2 at the site, which has been vacant for many years.
Anytime Fitness, based in Watford, is keen to see the gym opening 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The gym will be run by franchisees Brett and Lisa Ormerod.
In their application to the council, they said: “Anytime Fitness members can work out at their convenience.
“Gym members would use a security access key fob to enter the club at all times, even when it is not staffed.
“Members who use Anytime Fitness clubs outside normal hours usually comprise of shift workers such as community servants, nurses and correctional, police and fire officers.
“Other anticipated users of the proposed gym would include residents of the surrounding area, members of staff working in the nearby retail park, and other members from the local community who are keen to maintain their fitness and well-being.
“The gym would provide employment for up to eight members of staff, including a full time manager.
“The gym will be staffed between the hours of 10am and 9pm during the week and between the hours of 10am and 4pm on weekends.
“The development would bring a longstanding vacant unit into use and increase the footfall on Lord Street which would benefit other retail and business uses as a result of combined trips by customers.”
Ribble Buildings was empty for more than a decade after the opening of Safeway and the Morrisons supermarkets on land behind it.
But recently a 101 bedroom Travelodge hotel and a Papa John’s pizza parlour have opened, as Lord Street enjoys a revival.