New gym could muscle in to empty Highland shoe shop as plans lodged for change of use at former Brantano unit in city
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A former shoe retailer could be converted into a new gym if planners give the proposal their backing.
The empty Brantano store at Inshes Retail Park could become the city’s first budget PureGym site if plans for a change of use, from retail to a gym, are approved by Highland Council.
The proposals, which have been put forward by Greenridge Inverness Propco Limited, include external alterations, rear plant installation and construction of an internal mezzanine.
The site is a few store units away from the established Bannatyne Fitness gym.
According to a planning statement, accompanying the application, it is within easy reach of several communities including Inshes, Drakies, Raigmore Estate, Crown, Milton of Leys and Hilton.
The statement added: “As such, a notable proportion of the city population is both located within walking and cycle distance and served by local bus services. Importantly, Inshes Retail Park is also in closer proximity to many households in south west and east Inverness than the city centre or either of the other two defined commercial centres.”
Brantano went into administration in March 2017 and, according to the applicant, the unit has since been extensively marketed on behalf of the previous landlord with no credible retail interest shown.
It added: “It is indicative of the prevailing retail climate, where lease expiries, business failures and a background of low occupational demand combine to create challenging circumstances for landlords seeking to ensure their centres retain good vitality and viability, and, ultimately, continue to be places consumers want to visit.”
The ground floor of the unit covers an area of 679 sq m and it also has a mezzanine level of 465 sq m, which forms part of the proposed development, giving a total unit floorspace of 1144 sq m.
Proposed external alterations would include new replacement entrance doors and shop front, a rear fire door and rear plant installation.
The report added: “The current proposals have come forward as a result of established gym operator interest at this location, in accordance with a recognised commercial gap in budget gym provision locally. Terms have been agreed with PureGym, who would occupy the unit following the grant of planning permission.”
The report states that the nearby Bannertyne’s is within the target market area but that it is not comparable because it has more extensive health club facilities.
