New gym plans set to be heard by Garioch councillors
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Two new gyms could be heading to Garioch if they get support from local councillors next week.
Specialist Valve Services Ltd is looking for permission to transform a vacant two-storey office on Westhill’s Prospect Road into a fitness suite.
The firm is looking to create the facility in the former Optimus engineering building in Arnhall Business Park.
Optimus moved into the unit in 2010 but have since relocated to a new base near Aberdeen Harbour.
Plans reveal that the ground floor would have office space, a reception and weights area.
While up on the first floor there would be two fitness suites, changing rooms, a rest area and a cardio room with equipment including treadmills, rowing machines, cross trainers and exercise bikes.
If approved the gym is expected to be open from 5am to 10pm during the week and from 7am to 9pm at the weekend.
It is also set to create three full-time and seven part-time jobs.
Local authority planners have backed the proposal despite the plan not meeting council policy.
They argued that there was “no prospect” of the building being used as an office in the near future.
Planners added: “The economic benefits by way of securing a new tenant for the long-term vacant office building provide reasonable and justifiable grounds as a departure from policy.”
Meanwhile Cinecosse Ltd is hoping its recent conversion of a former office to a personal trainer suite can stay in place.
The firm submitted a retrospective application seeking planning permission for its development at Lethenty Mill on the outskirts of Inverurie.
The suite is already occupied by the applicant who operates ‘Fit Like’ and the personal training business is already in operation.
Although the changes have already been made planners have supported application.
They say it “utilises an existing building that may have otherwise become vacant.
“The change of use of the lower ground floor suite has enabled an existing business to develop.
“The building is capable of being reverted into business use in the future and there are other employment land opportunities within the area.”
Both applications will be considered by the Garioch area committee on Tuesday.
