A BID to convert the former Countrywide Farmers store on the Four Pools Retail Park into a new PureGym will go before planning chiefs at Wychavon District Council.
Officers have recommended approval for the application which will see the vacant 1,035sq metre site transformed into the latest venue for the growing business.
The site has been vacant since last May following the closure of the long-running business after its parent company collapsed into administration.
Should councillors give the plans the green light, PureGym would join the likes of The Range, Halfords, Frankie and Benny’s and Pets at Home in the local area as well as B&Q, Currys/PC World, Carpetright and Morrisons.
Councillors on Evesham Town Council have raised no objections to the proposals and highways chiefs both locally and nationally have made no comment about the plans for the site situated close to the busy A46 bypass.
Council chiefs have received two letters of support but 35 objections to the scheme following a consultation process earlier this year.
Among the concerns raised is the potential impact a new gym would have on existing Evesham gyms and the recently refurbished leisure centre.
One of the objections raised the prospect of more empty premises and the arrival of another major retailer to an out of town site which could divert more shoppers away from the town centre.
Concerns were also raised about a lack of parking at peak times such as weekends and the impact of a new business on the already congested roads close by.
“Puregym can only make this project viable by taking customers from other gyms,” one of the comments stated.
“Why would the council spend lots of money refurbishing its leisure centre then allow another gym to open/take away its customers?
PureGym is a chain of no frills health clubs with its headquarters based in Leeds and gyms across the UK.
It is Britain’s largest gym chain by membership, being the first to gain one million members and plans to open 300 gyms by 2020.
The proposals will be discussed by members of Wychavon’s planning committee on Thursday (November 14) from 2pm.
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