New store plan for Total Fitness set to be agreed

8:00am Tuesday 22nd January 2013 in News

New store plan for Total Fitness set to be agreed New store plan for Total Fitness set to be agreed

PLANS to turn the former Total Fitness gym into a DIY store will be heard by councillors on Thursday.

Developer Rob Foden is looking to convert the Winwick Road gym, which closed controversially last year, into a Range store.

The application will be discussed by members of the council’s development management committee at 6.30pm after it was deferred three weeks ago to allow Mr Foden to serve notice on people interested in the site.

Council bosses have recommended the application be approved but say new traffic lights, proper parking will be needed and they want to make sure jobs go to people living nearby.

The shop is expected to provide around 120 jobs, the equivalent of 72 full time posts.

There has been no complaints from residents or neighbours, despite the application being outside what would normally be agreed - because special reasons are needed to open out of town stores.

A spokesman said: “It is considered that overriding weight should be attached to the material factors of job creation and the prevention of the long term vacancy arising near a main road corridor.”

The gym closed in September.

Related links

Comments(8)

annie1275 says...
10:47am Tue 22 Jan 13

Not got a problem with new Jobs,That's great. But new traffic lights on top of the ones already near the college which takes forever and a day to get through.I would watch this space as to whether the jobs go to people nearby?

Report this post »

old-codger says...
12:42pm Tue 22 Jan 13

Whoever plans these traffic light installations obviously doesnt drive, Winwick road/ long lane is another nightmare that we can do without, The lights near the college cause tailbacks to long lane because they are not in sync.

I hope the jobs do go to local people and not to some cheap imports from europe. Thats not racist, Thats a fact. The dole queue in this town needs to be reduced before offering work to outsiders.

Report this post »

SAC_in_Warrington says...
1:08pm Tue 22 Jan 13

I think that Mr. Foden is a Warrington man and will have Warrington residents in his plans, however if they don't want to work for the pay or the number of hours that will be offered then our European neighbours will in all probability jump at this opportunity. Though. time will tell I'm sure.

Report this post »

MikeJT says...
3:06pm Tue 22 Jan 13

The alternative would be NOT to have new lights on Winwick Road BUT utilise the access point on Kerfoot Street where the McD entrance is. Winwick Road could remain a northbound only entrance/exit.

Report this post »

Nick Tessla says...
4:44pm Tue 22 Jan 13

The labour council can hardly object to a retail development at a former gym on Winwick Road, when they are holding secret talks with a developer who wants to develop a retail business on the former leisure centre just up the road.

Report this post »

Mikeywire says...
11:28pm Tue 22 Jan 13

Another large DIY store in between Wickes and B+Q..? I've never been to a Range what does it offer that these two don't?

Report this post »

Nick Tessla says...
7:48am Wed 23 Jan 13

Mikeywire wrote:
Another large DIY store in between Wickes and B+Q..? I've never been to a Range what does it offer that these two don't?
Roaming deer and antelope - and very seldom a discouraging word



;-)

Report this post »

wheredougetureinfo? says...
3:51pm Wed 23 Jan 13

How could anyone object to replacing a run down, bust gym with a new store that offers more than b & q. I often travel to the one in Wigan and its a **** sight cheaper for a start! What needs objecting to is the whole planning system.. its outdated, inept and run by people who havent a clue in the real world. JOBS! its the key word here.. whoever takes them is up to the individuals the employer and job centre personel not Mr Foden. its a no brainer of a decison in my opinion.. dragged out as usual to keep councillors in jobs and extract more fees.

Report this post »

click2find

About cookies

We want you to enjoy your visit to our website. That's why we use cookies to enhance your experience. By staying on our website you agree to our use of cookies. Find out more about the cookies we use.

I agree