Gym closure is confirmed

The closure of a Perth gym at the centre of a planning application row has been confirmed.

The future of the Fit4less facility on Canal Street has been uncertain since councillors approved plans to demolish it and build flats on the site last month.

It had been hoped a new location could be found, and although the search is continuing, members were told over the weekend that the decision had been taken to close the gym.

A message from bosses at Energie Fitness said:“It is with deep regret that we announce the closure of the Perth club with immediate effect.

“As you will likely know the club has had a dispute with the landlord, who has now received planning permission to demolish the building. We would like to apologise for the lack of communication to date but we had to explore all avenues to keep the club open, however, sadly we were forced to make this decision.

“We are in discussions with another franchisee regarding a relocation of the club to another site within Perth. We are still pursuing this option however as the timescales to reopen would be the start of next year we felt we had to officially close the existing club and notify all members.”

An emotional plea at June’s planning and development committee from gym manager Tammy Fleucher failed to sway councillors when they backed the proposal that will see the erection of a two-storey building, combining to form a total of 12 flats with a communal courtyard.

It is understood there had been issues with rent not being paid to the landlord by the franchise holder.

Meanwhile, money raised by Fit4less for a defibrillator will instead be used to run the Fit4less inclusion group for free for the next six months at different premises.

The decision was taken after a vote by members.