Proposals were submitted to Hartlepool Council’s planning department to convert a vacant former tyre depot at Usworth Business Park into a modern health and fitness facility.
The application, lodged by Grant Coull, sought permission for the premises to operate as a gym and indoor fitness facility.
The site, on Usworth Road, will house gym equipment alongside a range of recovery facilities, including ice baths and hot tubs, with no alterations to the building’s external appearance.
A report from council planning officers has confirmed the application has been approved, paving the way for work to get under way.
A planning statement, submitted in support of the application, outlined how the facility would operate “as a managed fitness environment and is expected to employ up to 10 members of staff”.
It further stated: “The proposal represents a sustainable reuse of an existing building and does not require any additional built form or expansion of the site. The development will provide a service that supports the wider business park, particularly for employees working within the surrounding units. The proposal will generate employment, support local businesses, and contribute positively to the vitality and functionality of Usworth Business Park, without giving rise to unacceptable impacts.”
Under the terms of the approval, operating hours will be limited to between 7am and 11.30pm each day, while more than 25 car parking spaces will be provided.
