Eltham High Street Sports Direct set to become 24/7 gym
The site of Sports Direct in Eltham could become a 24 hour gym after plans were submitted by The Gym Group.
The site sits directly opposite another recent gym proposal at the former Next shop site submitted in July 2022.
The building was formerly Allders and in recent years has been in use by Sports Direct.
The applications states:
“The proposal is to occupy the former Sports Direct premises at Unit 4, 149-159 Eltham High Street, Greenwich, as an indoor sport, recreation and fitness use.
The existing and proposed uses both fall within Class E of the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) (Amendment) (England) Regulations 2020.
The purpose of this Lawful Development Certificate is to confirm that the use of the premises within Class E(d) and its operation on a 24 hour basis would be lawful.
The proposed future occupier of the unit is The Gym. The Gym is looking to expand into new locations throughout the UK and are an established operator having over 200 similar operations in locations across the UK.
The Gym aims to increase access to health and fitness activities to a wide demographic to encourage and improve health by providing a low cost and flexible gym membership option. On average 35% of The Gym’s members have not been to a gym before with The Gym attempting to provide its facilities to a much wider market. The Gym provides a high quality but cheaper option for health and fitness activity.”
Eltham Centre
Another gym won’t be music to the ears of Greenwich leisure limited who operate the Eltham Centre under the Better brand.
Most centres in the borough have struggled with declining membership for some years, with low cost and all night gyms being given as a key reason.
Click here to view the application.
