New gym above Parkgate Shopping sports outlets given go-ahead

SDI Rotherham Ltd applied to add a partial mezzanine floor and bring together Sports Direct and Everlast Fitness in the retail park’s large end unit.

The proposals said the ground level would remain as retail, including space for USC and Game, with the gym being upstairs.

A Rotherham Council spokesperson said its retail and leisure study indicated that the fitness offer close to the town centre was dominated by the leisure centre at St Ann’s.

“However, since the publication of the study there has been growth in the gym market,” they added.

“There is now I-Motion Gym, The Gym Group, and JD Gym in the Parkgate area and north of the town centre.

“The Oasis Health Club, Bannatyne’s and gym facilities at the Holiday Inn Hotel at West Bawtry and the Hellaby Hall Hotel at Hellaby provide facilities in the wider Rotherham area.

“The only gym within the town centre at Rotherham is Next Level Fitness at Quarry Hill.

“It is evident that the health and fitness provision is not a key component of the vitality and viability of Rotherham town centre or indeed any other designated centre nearby.”

The council said there were already “significant development initiatives” aiming to broaden the range of what the town centre offers.