A FORMER Poundland in the Edinburgh West Retail park in Slateford looks set to be converted into a large 24-hour JD gym after plans were approved by the council.
A change of use application was submitted by Zander Planning on behalf of BP Investment Management, the investment wing of oil giant BP, which owns the retail park.
The conversion of the former Poundland – now a vacant site – would entail the installation of a mezzanine and gym equipment and the change of use of the site from a supermarket.
Three letters of objection were submitted about the proposals on the basis of the fact that the area has too many gyms in the area already.
The Poundland at the Edinburgh West Retail Park shut down some time ago, and will now been replaced by a JD Gym (C) Google
One local, however, supported the plans on the basis that a 24-hour gym with convenient parking would be a “good addition” to the area, and that the loss of a retail site would not meaningfully reduce shopping options due to the number of existing retail units in the park.
The entire Edinburgh West Retail Park in Slateford is owned by BP Investments and, following the closure of the Poundland, the investment group looked for a new tenant.
A deal was struck with JD Gyms, a subsidiary of JD Sports, which already operates a site in Wester Hailes, and the investment group brought on Zander Planning to handle the straightforward planning process.
The material changes to the unit aren’t huge, with new signage planned, as well as a mezzanine first floor level with strength, cardio, and toning areas, as well as changing facilities.
Aside from that, other changes to the site will include the installation of gym equipment and the installation of five large air conditioning units at the rear of the building.
One constructed, the gym will be open 24 hours.
In planning documents, Zander Planning justified the project: “Planning permission is sought for the change of use and installation of a mezzanine within unit 2 at Edinburgh West Retail Park.
“The site is located within the Chesser Avenue Local Centre and is therefore consistent with the town centres first policy Re1, which aims to direct commercial leisure uses to town and local centres.
“The proposal also involves the change of use of an existing shop unit to a gym.
“In this instance, it would not result in more than half of the units within the centre being non-retail and would be an appropriate commercial use for the location.
“The proposed gym will enhance vitality and viability by being open outwith normal shopping hours and encourage a mix of uses.”
The application was validated in October, but the council did not make a decision until Tuesday, when the conversion was approved.
Outlining the rationale for granting planning permission, the council said: “The gym is acceptable as an appropriate proportion of retail units in the local centre will be retained, and it complements its character and would not be detrimental to its vitality or viability.
“It re-uses brownfield land, contributes towards sustainable living and is acceptable on transport matters. No adverse impact on amenity is anticipated.”
Nuffield Health operate a large facility at the nearby Corn Exchange, while PureGym and The Gym Group also have locations in the surrounding areas.
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