With more money than ever being spent on keeping fit, two new gyms have decided that Cheltenham will be perfect destination to take advantage of this expanding market.

Planning applications have been submitted to Cheltenham Borough Council to convert two prominent commercial properties within the spa town into havens for fitness fanatics.

A proposal has been lodged for the site of the former Warners Motor Group showroom on Blaisdon Way, with the help of KBW Chartered Surveyors, to change its use into a gymnasium.

National gym operator énergie Fitness sealed the deal on a significant proportion of the unit in August 2018. The remaining space to the rear of the unit remains on the market and looks to attract an occupier for physio and clinic type uses, complementing the gym next door.

The application said: "The gym, which would operate seven days a week, would provide its members with a wide range of cardiovascular and fitness machines for a low monthly membership fee.".

Less than a mile down the road, a similar application has also been submitted to transform the former Baileys DIY, which is situated in Unit M, Gallagher Retail Park into another gym.

With a floor space of 1,440 sq metres, the application states that the existing unit has provided a strong interest from a number of national gym operators. The names of these gym operators have not been disclosed in the statement.

It added that: "A gym use would provide a more secure future for this unit and a more beneficial economic use that complements adjoining commercial uses.".

While it is great to see empty commercial property being filled with new businesses, Punchline asks whether we really need more gyms in this area of the town?