PLANS have been lodged for a Sandbank office premises to be transformed into a gym, which could eventually become a 24-hour facility.
Struan McLean Toremar has lodged the proposal with Argyll and Bute Council for the change of use at the premises at Unit 4 of Waverley House in Sandbank Business Park.
A statement submitted with the application said that the proposed gym aimed to offer “what Dunoon really needs”, with opening hours proposed to be from 6.30am to 10.30pm with the eventual aim of running 24 hours a day.
The council’s planning officers are expected to rule on the application by early October, with the public now able to view plans and submit feedback.
The supporting statement said that the goals of the proposal were “To encourage people to always keep a healthy mind and a healthy body, enhanced by the fact that local personal trainers will be on site to guide and train customers in specific areas of fitness, which will also provide employment to locals.
“To offer what Dunoon really needs, a reliable, safe, welcoming, well equipped community gym with open hours from 6.30am to 10.30pm. There will be a secure entry system and CCTV for safety of members.
“Plenty of parking including disabled bay. Eventually, if possible, a 24-hour gym facility for all members.
“To become the number one specialist gym in Argyll and Bute – this opportunity comes at the right time as for many years the people of Dunoon young and old have been at the mercy of declining gym times, equipment not being maintained and also a chance to find fitness around a decent time frame.”
The statement added: “With the rise of gym and fitness culture and the separation of access that Dunoon has to facilitate with gyms across the water in places like Greenock, Port Glasgow and Glasgow etc, we see it as a duty of care to give the same chances and access to the people of Dunoon and surrounding areas.
“The UK fitness industry continues to demonstrate resilience and growth. In smaller towns, demand for accessible fitness options remains strong.
“Following the closure of the local caravan park gym and with the local gym closing by 4pm on weekends there is a service gap in Dunoon.
“Toro Gym will capitalize on this by offering an affordable, self-directed alternative for convenience, community and consistency.”
To view the plans and submit feedback, visit the council’s planning portal at argyll-bute.gov.uk and use the reference number 26/00846/PP.
