Plans to transform vacant retail unit into 24-hour gym

PLANS have been lodged with Derry City and Strabane District Council for a 24-hour gym in Strabane.
Submitted last month by Lesley Retail Park Strabane (FreholdCo) Ltd, the planning application seeks to provide the round-the-clock fitness centre in a vacant unit at the retail park on Branch Road.
The site was previously occupied by Poundstretcher and has remained vacant since autumn 2020 when the store closed.
According to documents accompanying the application, the gym would operate under the banner of Snap Fitness, a 24-hour health and fitness club offering gym facilities, exercise classes and personal training.

"Snap Fitness provides 24/7 access to state-of-the-art gym facilities for its members," the document from agents, TSA Planning Ltd, states.
"Each facility follows a standardised internal layout with high-quality fit-out specifications to ensure consistency, quality, and brand integrity across all sites.
"Access to the gym is strictly limited to members.
"Entry remains locked at all times (including during staffed hours) and is controlled via an electronic security tag system."
Operating on a 24-hour basis and seven days a week, offers "members the flexibility to use the gym and its equipment at any time," it adds.
"This continuous access model promotes a more even distribution of use throughout the day and night, thereby reducing on-site numbers at any one time."
The proposals state the exterior of the building will appear mostly unchanged, and internally, the unit will be reconfigured to provide "distinct workout zones".
"Very minor external works are proposed, namely the front double door to be replaced with single door and fixed window, and all other ancillary arrangements such as car parking and site access remain as existing," the document states.
It adds: "This application aims to bring forward a new gym operator, enhancing the retail park's diversity and vibrancy by introducing a complementary leisure offering.

"No major external alterations are proposed, meaning the exterior of the building will appear mostly unchanged.
"Internally, the unit will be reconfigured to provide distinct workout zones, including areas for cardio equipment, free weights and resistance machines, all without increasing the existing floorspace."
In terms of parking and traffic, a transport assessment compiled by SW Consultancy asserts fewer vehicles will be generated compared with the unit's previous use, therefore the impact of the proposal on the surrounding road network "will be minimal."
"There will be a flatter demand profile for Snap Fitness compared with previous retail demand," the assessment states.
"The parking requirement will be lower for Snap Fitness compared with previous use and can be accommodated within the Lesley Retail car park."
Consultation with the relevant statutory agencies is underway, with the application expected to come before a future meeting of council's Planning Committee.
In summary, the TSA Planning document concludes: "Overall, the proposed change of use represents an appropriate and policy compliant town centre use that will enhance the offering within Strabane Town Centre.
"The introduction of a gym improves the local service offer and increases footfall.
"The proposal aligns with all regional and local planning policy.
"It will not undermine the retail function of the area but will instead complement it in line with current planning policies."