Shock plans submitted to turn Poundland into a 24/7 gym

An application has been submitted to Powys County Council to turn the building that currently houses Poundland into a 24/7 gymnasium on the entrance to Berriew Street Car Park.

The building has been up for sale for some time, but this latest development is an application for proposed change of use from Class A1 (retail) to Class D2 (gym) together with the erection of two illuminated fascia signs and associated works.

It’s a bizarre application considering that locally-owned Great Fitness is located just across the road and there are further fitness facilities at the Flash Leisure Centre and other privately-run gymnasiums in the town.

But, nevertheless, the application submitted by Mr Darren Brown from Bridgend-based Mango Planning & Development Ltd, explains: “The proposed tenant is Snap Fitness who were founded in 2003. Since that time, they have expanded to provide a global network of over 1,000 clubs, in more than 20 countries, with excess of 1 million members.

“They currently operate over 100 clubs in the UK, with 7 of these in Wales. Welshpool would represent their first club in Powys.

“The proposed gym will deliver a modern, premium-quality yet affordable 24/7 fitness facility.

“The gym will provide state-of-the-art fitness equipment and controlled member access within a professionally managed environment designed to support the health and wellbeing of the local community.

“The change of use will make beneficial use of approximately 960 sq m of floorspace at ground floor. There is no intention to utilise floorspace within the existing back of house area or first floor.

“The gym will be staffed daily from 6am onwards, with cleaning personnel remaining on-site until approximately 10pm, minimising the duration during which the facility is unstaffed.

“Overnight gym usage is expected to remain very low, consistent with operational data from comparable Snap Fitness locations.

“The proposed gym will create 10-12 jobs across a variety of rolls from management to personal trainers and cleaning staff.”

The decision will be made by Powys County Council, with Welshpool Town Council and residents also having an opportunity to comment on the application in the meantime. 

You can read the full application by clicking here.

PICTURE: One of the images submitted in the application showing how the signage would look.