Gym proposal for Mansfield Street warehouse site

The proposals, which have been handed in to City of York Council, aim to transform the Mansfield Street site, off Foss Islands Road, formerly occupied by TCN Motorcycles, into a fitness centre which would offer facilities for about 300 members.

The applicants said it was designed to provide a fitness base for people working at the nearby Foss Islands Retail Park and also cater for residents of new housing developments in the area, such as Hungate, Foss Bank and Navigation Road.

The scheme’s agents, MSMR Architects, also said it would create an unspecified number of new jobs, with the disused warehouse location being chosen after a neighbouring site was found to be unsuitable.

“The development aims to bring the site back into use, providing much-needed facilities and employment during and after construction,” said a statement to City of York Council.

“It will also aim to provide leisure use to the local educational, business, retail and residential community. The proposals will have a positive effect on the neighbourhood while supporting local businesses by creating more demand for local services.”

The firm also said the next door garage, which was “in desperate need of modernisation”, could potentially be part of a second phase of development if the fitness-centre plan was approved. Planning permission to convert this site was granted in 2006 but has since expired.

Under the proposals, about 40 members would be able to use the facilities at a time, with the centre boasting a weight-training area, saunas, space for physiotherapy and classes and 50 exercise machines across two floors, as well as ten spaces for cars and 42 for bikes.

It will open between 6.30am and 9pm, and may also be available for local schools and community groups to use during off-peak times.

It has not been confirmed which gym operator would take charge of the centre if the council agrees the plans, with a decision expected to be made next month.