A proposal to open a new gym in an old car showroom in Netherfield has been backed to 'take off' by shoppers and residents who say it would 'save people going into town'. An application has been submitted to Gedling Borough Council, on behalf of Tempophase Limited, to open the new facility in an empty unit in Victoria Road.
Charlie Lumley, a 25-year-old healthcare worker originally from Netherfield, said the gym would save users from travelling further afield. Charlie, who lives in West Bridgford but regularly comes to Netherfield, said: "I think that people would use it, any facilities that save people going into town are always welcome. I think that, especially if the gym is an independent one, it will take off, people in Netherfield like supporting the independent places.”
Other people said a new gym could also help other local businesses. Waitress Sophie Hall, a 35-year-old Netherfield resident, said: “I’d rather see an open business than an empty unit with the shutters down. There’s more than one cafe in Netherfield so I don’t see why there can’t be another gym.
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“I think people would go to this gym, it seems a bit small but there’s so many businesses around here, a new gym would help other businesses. After someone’s gone to the gym they can go to the barbers, do a shop, get a coffee.”
The gym is proposed for 2A Victoria Road which is near a former TSB bank. Emilia Baran, who works at Eight Barbers elsewhere in Victoria Road, added: “It doesn’t look very big but maybe it could be made into two floors and, inside, it may just be weights for people to use.
"I welcome a gym, any business will be welcome, this is a small town, so, why not?” Emilia’s husband, and owner of the barber shop, Bruce Baran, said parking may become an issue.
The 46-year-old said: “The problem would be parking, in the car park, it’s only two hours free and there’s a gym at the Victoria Retail Park that I think people would 100 percent prefer.” He was referring to Everlast, which is based at the retail park and is owned by Fraser Groups. The former DW Fitness gym remained open after Mike Ashley's empire saved parts of the chain from administration in 2020 in a deal worth up to £44 million. Meanwhile, separate plans have been put forward in recent week to redevelop a former Victorian cinema into housing.
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