Old car repair shop could be turned into gym

The gym would have two to three instructor-led classes per day

A new fitness studio and gymnasium may soon be opening in Peterborough. It comes after Peterborough City Council approved a planning application to change the use of a former vehicle repair workshop at Wharf Road Industrial Estate.

Applicant, Jess Croney, stated that the proposed new gym at unit 12 would be operated on a members-only basis. Documents suggested that there would be around two to three instructor-led classes per day, with eight participants per class.

“The classes will be staggered through the day, with sufficient intervals between sessions so that one class concludes and its participants depart before the following class begins,” the plans stated.

“This is a core part of the operating model and is specifically designed to prevent the overlap of arriving and departing attendees that could otherwise place pressure on the parking area.”

The only physical works proposed at the site were internal decoration and refurbishment, with new external lighting and CCTV cameras to be installed.

Internally, the unit would be laid out to provide an open training area for fixed and free-weight resistance equipment and cardiovascular equipment, together with ancillary floorspace. Free-weight and resistance areas would be fitted with resilient rubber gym flooring to control impact noise.

Externally, there would be seven car parking spaces provided (including one accessible bay), two motorcycle spaces, turning space and a designated pedestrian route to the entrance. The previous occupier of the industrial unit, a car repair centre, relocated to larger premises in summer 2025.

The unit was marketed for approximately seven months without securing a tenant.

“Given the established industrial and commercial setting, and the presence of similar indoor sport and fitness uses nearby – most notably the karate gym directly opposite – the change of use is wholly consistent with the character and function of the estate,” the design and access statement noted.