A TOWN gym has published an open letter conveying their ‘deep sense of concern’ over the future of their business.

The saga of Anytime Fitness’ place in Penarth came into the headlines in October 2023 when the 24-hour gym was forced to closed after being locked out the facility.

In what turned out to be a dispute with the building owners over alleged lack of maintenance and late rent payments, the heat to the situation ramped up when the gym doors were suddenly locked.

Then, wholesale wine sellers Majestic put in a planning application to move into the ground floor of the Moorwell Building – where Anytime is located – however this application was dropped after being rejected by the council along with a huge push from gym members imploring the application not to go ahead.

After that, Anytime’s place in Penarth looked to be more settled, with talk of a new 15-year lease having been signed, however, once again, the situation has turned on its head.

Now, the gym say, in what’s titled ‘an open letter to the Penarth Community, council and interested parties’, they have a ‘deep sense of urgency as the gym is once again at threat of closure’.

In the letter, the team at Anytime write: “We, the management team and members of Anytime Fitness Penarth write with a deep sense of urgency and concern.

“Our gym is once again facing the threat of closure due to our landlord’s decision to revoke the offer of a 15-year lease and to sell the building as a vacant possession."

Anytime Fitness on Windsor RoadAnytime Fitness on Windsor Road (Image: Newsquest)

Moorwell building on Windsor Road is owned by Project 3 Developments and, along with the gym, the building contains a number of apartments and a penthouse suite on the top floor.

On their website, the developers say: ”We are a team of property professionals who share decades of experience in property development and investment.

“Project 3 exists because three friends, all of which are passionate about property, met up in 2016 to discuss the market.

“Ben, Gareth and Ben felt uninspired with many of the property projects being released at the time and believed that far more interesting products could do well in the marketplace.”

The team at Anytime Fitness, from left; Rae, Kurt, Liam and JamesThe team at Anytime Fitness, from left; Rae, Kurt, Liam and James (Image: Newsquest)

In their latest letter, Anytime went on to emphasise their importance to the community.

The letter added: “Anytime Penarth is not just a gym, it’s a vibrant community hub where friendships are forged.

“This decision would force us to close our doors, leading to significant and lasting harm not only to our community, but also to the financial stability of our business."

Project 3 Development has been contacted for comment.

Got a story in Penarth? Email harry.jamshidian@newsquest.co.uk.