The former Total Fitness site in Crewe looks set to be used as offices - by a public body of the Department for Transport.

Network Rail wants to convert the former Total Fitness gym, Macon Way, into a set of offices for additional company office space in the Crewe area.

The Crewe gym and fitness centre, which included a large swimming pool, closed on August 31 last year.

Now an application has been submitted to Cheshire East Council for the site to be used as offices.

A covering letter submitted with the application on behalf of Network Rail states: "In order to meet requirements for additional office accommodation space in the Crewe area, Network Rail is proposing to convert the former Total Fitness site at Macon Way, Crewe to an office facility."

Network Rail has already bought the site and has applied for a lawful development certificate for proposed use as offices as the previous use fell under the same category.

The sale price to Network Rail was undisclosed, although it had been marketed at close to £2.9m.

The letter continues: "As this falls under the same use class, the change of use represents permitted development.

"A swimming pool is present as part of the gym building. However, this was ancillary to the main gym use, occupying approximately 25 per cent of the building's floor space.

"The pool could only be accessed via the gym, and as such was not a standalone facility."

Total Fitness, Macon Way, Crewe closed on August 31 2021 after almost 20 years there (Google).

The application, number 22/1720N, is due to be determined by planning officers under delegated authority.

The last date for submitting comments is June 13. A decision is expected to be made by June 22.

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(Ryan Parker and Belinda Ryan)