Moreton Hall residents in Bury St Edmunds raise concerns after West Suffolk Council decision to turn former gym into builders' merchant
Residents have shared concerns over a lack of gym and swimming facilities after a 'disappointing' decision to transform a former gym into a builders' merchant.
West Suffolk councillors decided on Wednesday to approve a bid to turn the former Sports Direct Fitness site, on the Moreton Hall estate in Bury St Edmunds, into a national builders' merchant.
The former gym, in Easlea Road, closed in August 2023 due to high costs.
Michael Crichton, a resident and former senior adviser for physical activity, criticised the decision as 'very disappointing' and called for more investment in leisure facilities, particularly swimming pools, which have been under stress nationally.
He said: "I am very aware that the budget is tight, but there needs to be a rethink on priorities."
Cllr Ian Shipp, the council's lead for leisure, pointed out the authority had invested in leisure facilities, including a £8.36 million revamp of Bury Leisure Centre.
Although several councillors stated on Wednesday that they wished the site could have stayed as a gym and pool facility, there were no planning avenues to refuse the application.
Cllr Sara Mildmay-White said during the meeting: "This just sums up Britain - buy a hamburger but don't go to the gym or swim, treat your children to a McDonald's but don't take them swimming because there's nowhere to swim, it drives me mad.
"That is not a planning issue sadly, I can have my rant, but in planning terms, I feel that my hands are tied, but it's very disappointing."
Were it to be refused, against the officer's recommendation, who found no 'policy-based reasons to resist the application', it could have been subject to an appeal and cost the council thousands.
Nevertheless, Melanie Soanes, the chairwoman of Moreton Hall Residents’ Association, said investment in leisure was not proportional to growth in the estate.
She said options, such as Skyliner Sports Centre, which does not offer a pool, were limited and oversubscribed.
Ms Soanes said: "Are we supposed to exercise between parked cars, in housing estates, or not at all?
"Physical exercise is not a luxury—it is a basic human right and a core pillar of public health.
"Investing in accessible, local exercise options is not just the right thing to do — it’s the smart thing to do."
Cllr Birgitte Mager, the ward member, said growth in the area was 'fantastic' but needed to happen alongside the proper infrastructure.
She said: "Moreton Hall residents are now left with a more than 40-year-old leisure pool at the other side of town and a small swimming pool running at full capacity, in Moreton Hall.
"I think it is super regrettable that we are unable to take on board the wishes of the residents of Moreton Hall, who are increasingly feeling hard done by."
Addressing the concerns, Cllr Shipp added: "It was a sad day when the Sports Direct gym closed, and whilst I recognise it was a commercial decision by the company, it was such a shame for users who obviously greatly valued the private facility.
"West Suffolk Council has a strong record in its provision of leisure services along with its partner Abbeycroft Leisure, and we will continue to do so."
In 2023, the authority invested more than £500,00, part of which was awarded by the Government, to ensure pools remained open despite soaring utility costs.