Three units within a popular Edinburgh retail park are set to be transformed into a huge new 24-hour gym.
The existing Barnardo's charity shop, Pound Stretcher and a vacant unit at Meadowbank Shopping Park have been earmarked by The Gym group to use combine the units into a ground and first floor gym.
The popular fitness group currently own gym's around and on the outskirts of the city and plan to expand in the east at Meadowbank. The news comes after the M&S outlet and TK Maxx at the retail park closed recently.
READ MORE: Edinburgh retailer slams Scottish Government after closing half of its stores across the country
With Lidl set to replace the TK Maxx and Home Bargains replacing M&S, the retail park is set for a new lease of life following the opening of the highly anticipated Meadowbank Sports Centre almost one year ago.
A planning statement prepared on behalf of the applicant states: "The Gym provides a high quality but low cost option for health and fitness activity. The operation includes a range of cardio-vascular (rowing, running, cycling, etc) and resistance (weights) equipment.
"The nature of the operation limits the requirement for music to be played within the premises, with music limited as members prefer to use personal music players. Audio equipment is separated around the premises to avoid ‘hotspots’ of noise generation. Members cannot interfere with either the content or volume of the audio visual equipment which is controlled within staff only areas."
To prevent antisocial behaviour, access to the gym will be strictly controlled. Between the hours of 8am and 8pm, the front door of the gym will be open and access will be afforded to the lobby.
After this, access to the gym itself is obtainable via a personal entry code to be entered into a key pad which restricts access to one person at a time. The pin code also allows The Gym to record attendance and the average time spent by a visitor.
Between 8pm and 8am the main front entrance door is locked and again pin code input is required to gain access to the premises to restrict access to the entire premises to members of The Gym only outside of core hours.
According to The Gym, their membership fees are low cost and with no minimum contract period. Members can join for just a single month, or freeze their membership at normal cost.
The full plans are available for public viewing on the Edinburgh Council website here.
