By Don Mort, local democracy reporter
A former social club could be turned into a gym if plans can be agreed with the council.
Derelict New Wortley Labour Club could be redeveloped into a fitness centre after a planning application was drawn up by JCT Properties.
The site on Oak Road has been disused for around five years and attempts to sell it at auction failed, a design report said.
It said: “The proposal seeks to change the use of an existing social club into a gym, thereby bringing disused property back into a sustainable use.”
The report said the gym proposal would bring health benefits for the community.
It said: “The existing building has been abandoned since 2020 and is in a dilapidated state, with significant repair work needed.
“The proposed use will deliver health and recreational benefits to the area, and bringing the site back into use will enhance the visual amenity and street scene.”
The report by KUFIC Architects said the new gym would not create road safety problems as there were existing parking spaces at the club.
It added: “The new use would therefore not be of concern to highways safety.”
No changes were planned for the appearance of the brown and red brick building, the report said.
The application seeks to change the use of the existing building without making any external alterations.
The report added: “The property was marketed by Sharpes Auctioneers but failed to sell in August and September auctions.
“Our client has purchased it to convert the existing building into a studio fitness gym.”
The plans can be viewed in full here.
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