24-Hour Anytime Fitness To Open Soon In Christchurch Town Centre

The international fitness chain franchise, Anytime Fitness has been given the green light for a 24-hour gym in Christchurch Town Centre.

The approval of a 24-hour Anytime Fitness club in Christchurch town centre has not come without controversy. Approved by Christchurch Borough Council’s planning officers, the international fitness chain franchise’s application was met by both residents who voiced concerns and others a need for a 24-hour fitness club in the town centre.

Planners approved a revised scheme that includes two ground floor retails units adjacent to the gym space on the ground and first floors. The two residents supporting the scheme as an initiative that would be an asset for the community were outnumbered by the response of residents who objected to another fitness club they deemed as unnecessary.

One grievance expressed: "I am very concerned about the change to a 24-hour use. This is not in keeping with local policy, or the requirement and need for Christchurch town centre. This poses a significant risk."

Christchurch and East Dorset Council's economic development team responded to the plans they supported: "The two new retail units in the revised application together with the increased footfall from the proposed Gym will help to maintain and improve the use of the Saxon Square area for shopping and recreational uses."

The new and approved 24-hourAnytime Fitness gym in Christchurch town centre will employ eight members of staff, including a full-time manager and a staff on site from 9am to 9pm on weekdays and between 10am and 5pm on weekends.

Anytime Fitness UK general manager, Brett Edwards, announced the group plans on bringing up their clubs from its existing 130 to 550 by early 2020. With over 3,800 clubs worldwide, Anytime Fitness was launched in the US in 2002 and opened its first franchise in the UK in 2010.