Planning approved for Bury St Edmunds' Miro House to be turned into a gym

A planning application to turn an empty industrial unit in Bury St Edmunds into a gym has been approved.

Plans submitted in August last year said the 'state-of-the-art' gym in Western Way would feature a reception and changing area, consultation rooms, cardiovascular and resistance training equipment and a 20m running track.

The gym, referred to as Iron Island Gym in plans, will generate 26 full time jobs, according to a West Suffolk Council's delegated report on the proposals.

As the building was a former printers, the report noted the plans changed the type of employment use for which the site was designated but would generate three times more jobs.

Economic Development raised concerns that another smaller industrial unit is being lost to a gym when there is demand for those types of units from more traditional sectors. However, West Suffolk Council is creating smaller units at Suffolk Business Park because the market cannot provide them.

The report added: "The proposal requires significant investment to convert the existing vacant unit into a gym, resulting in considerable economic benefits during construction and subsequent use.

"The gym will result in economic growth and will generate more employment."

Plans have said there will be parking for up to three vehicles at the front of the building, including a disabled space, and a further eight at the back. It is hoped more parking will be provided by the nearby Asda.

The proposals also include four bike stands for eight bikes at the front of the site and a further 12 sheltered and lid stands for up to 24 bikes.

Miro House is close to Swayne and Partners Veterinary Surgeries, Fulcher Funeral Directors and Platinum Dance Academy and the new use of the site is not expected to cause any conflict with existing businesses.

The gym will be open weekdays from 5.30am to 10:30pm and at weekend between 6am to 10pm.