Livingston has been promised a new gym that will be “Gucci” rather than “Primark.”
Members of West Lothian’s Development Management Committee agreed on Wednesday to take up Bathgate man Ewan Kent’s proposal to develop a specialist gym in what is currently a vacant building on an industrial estate.
Planners said the proposal for the unit at Elphinstone Square on Deans industrial estate was contrary to zoning rules, which confines gyms to town centre locations. It also recommended refusal based on poor public transport links.
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Mr Kent told the committee that he and his family had created a business model to provide a gym aimed at bodybuilders and powerlifting. It is based on the existing Extreme Gym business model which has three such gyms , used by Mr Kent and his family, in Glasgow.
He told the committee: "Whereas other gyms are what would be described as Primark, we are planning a more specialist gym, more Hugo Boss, Gucci.”
He said the gym was aimed at those interested in power lifting and bodybuilding.”
Mr Kent’s two sons will work in the business, along with his wife and daughter. He had tried to find premises in Bathgate but those that were closest to the size required were too expensive to lease.
The Deans location also has close access to the M8 and Mr Kent said he expected to attract customers from further afield as well as West Lothian, as such specialist gym facilities are relatively rare.
An industrial unit is also more practical in terms of accommodating heavy gym equipment. The gym would have up to 80 machines available for use with a mix of weight machines and cardiovascular machines, as well as a wide range of free weights.
Members expressed concerns that parking for other units could be affected by customers to the gym but Mr Kent said he was prepared to police parking through membership.
Members would have to agree to requests about parking. Although the gym would plan to operate from 6am to 10pm seven days a week Mr Kent envisaged that most members would use the facility outwith the normal 9am to 5pm working day of other occupants on the industrial estate.
Provost Tom Kerr pointed out that other industrial units in other areas had been converted for non-industrial use including a gym. He asked if there had been problems as a result of those. Speaking for the planners, Wendy McCorriston said she was not aware of issues arising from any of the previous sites granted permission.
Councillor Pauline Clark questioned the assertion of poor public transport links suggesting that the gym could be reached within walking distance of bus routes. She added: “ This is a niche business. I think the location is probably better suited out of the town centre.”
The plan received wide approval from committee members. Councillor Lawrence Fitzpatrick praised the “confident” plans adding: “ At these difficult times we would have to encourage enterprise, and I’m minded to approve this plan.”
Councillor David Tait echoed that. He said:“ We have a very competent business family here, clearly highly organised and highly professional. I think this would be a real asset for West Lothian if we can get this through.”
The plan was approved unanimously.
