{"id":686051,"date":"2026-01-10T05:16:16","date_gmt":"2026-01-10T05:16:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/686051\/"},"modified":"2026-01-10T05:16:16","modified_gmt":"2026-01-10T05:16:16","slug":"former-poundland-in-edinburgh-retail-park-to-be-converted-into-gym","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/686051\/","title":{"rendered":"Former Poundland in Edinburgh retail park to be converted into gym"},"content":{"rendered":"

A FORMER Poundland<\/a> in the Edinburgh West Retail park in Slateford<\/a> looks set to be converted into a large 24-hour JD gym<\/a> after plans were approved by the council<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n

A change of use application was\u00a0submitted\u00a0by Zander Planning on behalf of BP Investment Management, the investment wing of oil giant BP<\/a>, which\u00a0owns\u00a0the retail park.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The conversion of the former Poundland \u2013 now a vacant site \u2013 would entail the installation of a mezzanine and gym equipment and the change of use of the site from a supermarket.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Three letters of objection were\u00a0submitted\u00a0about the proposals\u00a0on the basis of\u00a0the fact that the area has too many gyms in the area already.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"Poundland<\/a>The Poundland at the Edinburgh West Retail Park shut down some time ago, and will now been replaced by a JD Gym (C) Google<\/p>\n

One local, however, supported the plans on the basis that a 24-hour gym with convenient parking would be a \u201cgood addition\u201d 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

A deal was struck with JD Gyms, a subsidiary of JD Sports, which\u00a0already operates\u00a0a site in Wester Hailes, and the investment group brought on Zander Planning to handle the straightforward planning process.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The material changes to the unit\u00a0aren\u2019t\u00a0huge,\u00a0with new signage planned, as well as a\u00a0mezzanine first floor level with strength, cardio, and toning areas, as well as changing facilities.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

One constructed, the gym will be open 24 hours.<\/p>\n

In planning documents, Zander Planning justified the project: \u201cPlanning permission is sought for the change of use and installation of a mezzanine within unit 2 at Edinburgh West Retail Park.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThe site is\u00a0located\u00a0within 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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThe proposal also involves the change of use of an existing shop unit to a gym.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cIn this instance, it would not result in more than half of the units within the centre being non-retail and would be\u00a0an appropriate commercial\u00a0use for the location.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cThe proposed gym will enhance vitality and viability by being open\u00a0outwith\u00a0normal shopping hours and encourage a mix of uses.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

The application was\u00a0validated\u00a0in October, but the council did not\u00a0make a decision\u00a0until Tuesday, when the conversion was approved.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Outlining the\u00a0rationale for granting planning permission,\u00a0the\u00a0council\u00a0said: \u201cThe gym is acceptable as\u00a0an appropriate proportion\u00a0of retail units in the local centre will be\u00a0retained,\u00a0and it complements its character and would not be detrimental to its vitality or viability.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u00a0re-uses brownfield land, contributes towards sustainable living and is acceptable on transport matters. No adverse impact on amenity is\u00a0anticipated.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n

Nuffield Health\u00a0operate\u00a0a large facility at the nearby Corn Exchange, while\u00a0PureGym\u00a0and The Gym Group also\u00a0have locations in the surrounding areas.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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