The “volatile” retail climate has been cited in a possible move to replace four large stores on a retail park with a giant gym.
The company that owns units occupied by Halfords, Poundland, Carpetright and Pets at Homes at Pool has applied for a “lawful development certificate” for a proposed change of use from retail to an indoor gym.
However, it noted that there is no specific proposal for any of the current four units to change from their present occupiers at present.
The application has been lodged with Cornwall Council’s planning department by Expedite Planning Ltd on behalf of Canynge Bicknell (Investments) Ltd.
The shops in question comprise a terrace of four units at Camborne Retail Park on Trevenson Road, Pool – 1.5km north east of Camborne town centre and 3km west of Redruth town centre. Elsewhere on the retail park is a B&Q store and another retail unit - neither of which are part of this application.
The Halfords store occupies 12,500 sq ft, Poundland 10,000 sq ft, Carpetright 9,700 sq ft and Pets at Home 10,300 sq ft.
A planning statement from Expedite says: “The retail climate remains volatile and the prospect of retail failures and stores closures is a constant concern.
"Our client wishes to ensure that the retail park is future-proofed in the event of a retail failure, to enable the park to quickly respond to potential opportunities for reoccupation.
"It should be noted that there is no specific proposal for any of the current four units to change from their present occupiers at present.
“A potential area of occupier interest is from gym operators, who have made initial enquiries about future availability at the park.
"It is our opinion that a change of use of the retail units from retail use to an indoor gym would be permitted development. However, in order to be in a position to deliver a greater level of certainty to potential occupiers about the legality of such a change without express planning consent, a certificate of lawfulness is being submitted.”
The application states that although there are no firm proposals in place at this stage, it is anticipated that a proposed gym would have the following:
Private facility with membership policy
A large floor space to accommodate gym equipment including cardio-vascular, resistance equipment and free weights
A reception area, changing rooms, office, storage and other ancillary areas
It is likely that the units would fit the business model of budget operators, without facilities such as swimming pools, sauna/steam rooms, café or creche.
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