“Nothing for families within the town!” Readers react after planners give 24-hour gym green light in Spalding

News that plans for a 24-hour gym have been approved were met with a mixed reaction by residents – some of whom would rather see the space used for a more family-friendly venture.

Last week this paper revealed that Switha Ltd’s request to transform Spalding’s Carpetright store into a fitness centre was given the green light by South Holland District Council.

Despite this decision, it is currently business as usual for employees at the Westlode Street business, while Carpetright have not responded our requests to confirm whether they are behind – or aware of – these plans.

However, precedents have been with a Carpetright stores in Nottingham’s Chilwell Retail Park and Grantham both becoming PureGym locations.

“What do we need another gym for?” asked Trisha Tricks on Facebook.

“Who’s got disposable cash and time to go? We already got five (gyms). Spalding really not the town to have a sixth gym put in.”

Other readers said they’d prefer the site to become a child-friendly area, something they say the town is lacking.

“Great another one,” said Sandra Algar.

“There is a new gym by Greggs in Pinchbeck. There is one by Rookes, (one at) Castle Sports plus others. Something more family friendly would be good.”

“Great idea, nothing for the kids,” added Clare Harrison, who added she’d rather see the venue become an indoor skate park.

Clare Booth agreed, adding: “Wouldn’t a kids indoor play area have been a better idea? SHDC what are you thinking! There’s nothing for families within the town… not for families with babies/toddlers who cannot get out of town.”

While child-friendly venues in the town would be welcome by many, no such applications have been made for the site and SHDC can only judge each application on its individual merits.

Stephen Hellliwell believes the store potentially becoming a gym is the start of a shift in use for larger retail units.

“Nobody really wants these bigger shops now, what with all the bills and online shopping killing them all off,” he said.

“Big shops here, in King’s Lynn and Boston (are empty), really can't see any retailers taking them on. Apart from the pound shops.

“Changing times, for better or worse.”

Readers also questioned whether the town centre location was right for a gym.

Kim Mizen joked about the large car park shared with neighbouring B&M Bargains but pointed out the trend of town centre shops disappearing.

“That location for a gym is perfect for those who prefer not to walk far from their cars, just like drive thru places,” she said.

“It's really a joke, but the town is dying and at least Springfields concentrate on a proper town centre (style) of shops selling items that attract more people than the town does.”

But there were people in favour of the change.

“Obesity crisis in the UK continues to rise yet people moan about ‘another gym’ being opened,” said leigh Overton, while Gordon Holstead called the plans ‘amazing news’.