“THE news has caused great distress within our community and we implore you to consider the profound impact this decision would have on our town.”
Those are the words of a petition set up by members of a popular gym which could be turned into a wine shop.
There is much conjecture going around about the precarious future of Anytime Fitness in Penarth.
The gym, which is the only Anytime Fitness in South Wales and only one of three in the country, has recently been beset with issues after having to abruptly close in October last year for more than a week after the landlord went in and changed the locks.
This latest setback could be the biggest threat to Anytime’s future in Penarth, as Majestic Wine has made an application to take over the space for their wine retail operation.
However, there is said to be fury about the plans among the gym's “1,000 members” who say they cherish the space as an outlet of wellbeing and health.
An online petition on 38degrees has already reached 622 signatures as of writing.
Majestic Wine say they do not want to comment on the situation as it is too early in the process.
Vale Council has confirmed an application for the building in Penarth is awaiting responses to a public consultation.
Part of the documents in the planning application - 2024/00037/FUL - include an email from chairman of Vale’s planning committee Neil Thomas who says the gym “has not been a commercial success as anticipated by developers”.
Cllr Thomas’ email goes: “The gym has only been in place for a short period and I believe that it has not been the commercial success that was anticipated by the developers.
“A large commercial alcohol operation would appear to be sustainable at this location though it could severely impact the current retail offer of alcohol off sales across the town potentially affecting the viability of those businesses.”
Read more on Anytime Fitness Penarth:
- Anytime Fitness Penarth release statement on closure of gym
- Anytime Fitness Penarth is forced to suddenly close
Members and employees of the gym are determined to fight for what they describe as their “cherished space”.
Their online petition goes: “We, the undersigned members and supporters of Anytime Fitness in Penarth hold deep concern and shared dismay regarding the potential closure of our gym and the proposed change of use from 'gym' to 'retail.'
“Anytime Fitness in Penarth is not merely a gym; it is a cherished safe space and a thriving community for its members.
“We firmly believe that a gym, with its positive impact on physical and mental health, is a more valuable asset to our community than a wine shop.”
The Vale Council’s full statement on the issue: “The council has received an application to change the use of this building in Penarth and is currently awaiting responses to a public consultation on that proposal.
“Once these have been received, the application will be determined in line with standard planning process which gives full consideration to the views of all interested parties and the relevant planning policies.”
Anytime Fitness has been contacted for comment.
Look at the planning application on Vale Council's planning portal: Number: 2024/00037/FUL.
What do you think about the gym closing? Good or bad for Penarth? Would you rather pick up the dumbbell or the wine bottle? Are you a gym user at Anytime? How will this affect you? Let us know, emailing harry.jamshidian@newsquest.co.uk.
Got a story in Penarth? Email harry.jamshidian@newsquest.co.uk
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