New gym is planned for run-down centre

A dilapidated community centre in the heart of Walsall town centre will be transformed into a gym costing tens of thousands of pounds and creating nine jobs in the town, under new plans.

Developer Kevin Brown, who already runs gyms around the town, is looking to breathe new life into the building in Pool Street, with a gym for both men and women.

The gym is expected to take over two storeys, and will be larger than Mr Brown's other ladies-only gym which is based in Goodall Street.

The community centre is currently run down, but Mr Brown will bring it back to life and said there is a "great need" for the gym in the area.

He said in the application: "The community centre is currently vacant, unused and in a state of disrepair.

"This development would bring the building up to a usable standard and allow it to be used again by the local community.

"The location of the site is sustainable and has exellent transport connections."

The gym is expected to create six full-time jobs and three part-time jobs.

Sutton Coldfield-based Mr Brown also runs the Isis Health & Fitness which caters for men and women at its base in The Bridge, which was opened about five years ago.

The gym is expected to include modern equipment such as treadmills, bikes and a sauna.

The plans followed consultation within the community.

The new gym would be open from 7am to 9pm Monday to Friday, and from 9am to 5pm at weekends.

No extra parking spaces are provided as part of the proposal.

Meanwhile, a new Pure Gym is set to open in the top floor of the town's Poundland store in June, creating around 30 new jobs.

Bosses have earmarked June 19 as the opening date for the new Park Street branch.

The budget gym, which will open 24 hours a day, will boast more than 200 pieces of equipment.