A 24-hour national gym chain has secured approval to open on Crewe's major retail park - following over 12 months of planning delays.

On Friday 24 March, PureGym was given the green light by Cheshire East Council to open on Crewe's Grand Junction Retail Park.

The 24-hour gym chain will open inside the former Sofology unit after its change of use proposals were approved.

PureGym will open inside the former Grand Junction Retail Park Sofology unit after its change of use proposals were approved (Ryan Parker).

PureGym argued the development would bring economic benefits to Crewe - including private sector investment, re-activation of vacant floorspace and new employment.

A sequential test was carried out to consider potential town centre units PureGym could consider opening in - including former M&S and Argos units.

The test determined there were no current locations which would meet the applicant's needs.

A Cheshire East planning officer was overall satisfied with PureGym's proposals - agreeing it would bring 'economic benefits' to the town.

A statement read: "The principle of development is acceptable and the sequential test has been met.

PureGym argued its Grand Junction Retail Park development would bring economic benefits to Crewe (Ryan Parker).

"The design of the proposed development is considered to be acceptable and there would be no amenity issues.

"The proposed development is also considered to be acceptable in terms of its highway implications.

"Finally the development would bring economic benefits in terms of increased employment and wages in Crewe.

"The benefits of this scheme outweigh any harm and as a result the development represents sustainable development."

PureGym now aims to open its new 24-hour Grand Junction Retail Park gym in Crewe this summer.

PureGym will open its new Grand Junction Retail Park facility later in summer 2023 (Ryan Parker).

The facility will offer members a state-of-the-art functional area, cardio equipment, free weights area, group exercise studio classes and access to personal trainers.

Crewe Nub News has contacted PureGym for comment on securing planning approval.

READ MORE: Furious councillors defer decision on new Crewe estate with no planning permission.

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