An Isle of Wight town looks set to get its first gym after plans were given the green light by the council.
Gym facilities are to be added to the former Sixers York Avenue Garage in East Cowes.
Former car showroom and garage
In recent years, it has been turned into a community hub — swapping MOTs and oil changes for tattoos and coffees.
The former car showroom and garage, which closed due to the impact of the Covid pandemic, is also home to a cafe, barber, tattoo parlour and self-storage area.
Plans approved
Proposals to change the MOT and vehicle workshop area have been approved by the Isle of Wight council.
Agent on behalf of the Sixers Group, Andrew White Planning Consultancy, said the garage space is ‘underutilised’ and there was ‘little or no prospect’ of MOTs being carried out there so the time was right to re-purpose the space.
Wide support from the local community
The plans received wide support from the local community, with one resident commenting it would be a fantastic asset to the town and make exercise more accessible for residents that are not able to travel.
One local said it would help the community improve their health and fitness and create more jobs.
It also has the support of East Cowes Town Council.
IWC: Gym would support the local economy
In their decision notice, Isle of Wight council planning officers the gym would support the local economy if the existing motor workshop was not financially viable at the site.
They also said this would allow local people to access high quality and mixed classes as it would offer a more bespoke and tailored type of exercise facility and not be a membership/anytime type of gym.
Unnamed tenant lined up
An unnamed tenant has been lined up for the gym, offering small group and one-to-one fitness sessions.
As part of the planning permission, the council has stipulated the gym can only be open between 6am to 9pm Mondays to Fridays; 8am to 7pm on Saturdays and 10am to 7pm on Sundays and bank holidays.
A small space would remain for vehicle inspections and the cafe would be increased to allow for additional seating, a bigger food preperation area and improved toilet facilities.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
Image: jelmer assink under CC BY 2.0
