A major new business development will see the rejuvenation of the long vacant former J.T. Fossey Ford showroom building in Narrabri into a 24 hour, seven days a week fitness centre.
A Development Application (DA) for the fitness centre, on the corner of Bowen and Barwon streets, was given the go ahead at Tuesday’s Narrabri Shire Council meeting.
The project will see an Antyime Fitness gym developed, to be run by Mr Greg Arthur.
The gym will utilise a building which has been empty for several years.
“We are excited with the prospects for the fitness centre in Narrabri which is a growing town” said Mr Arthur.
He has linkages with Narrabri through his father John’s role as manager for Bob and Ian Sharkey’s grain storage and handling business on the Coonabarabran Road in the 1990s.
“I remember spending a lot of time at the weighbridge there” Greg said. “I love Narrabri.”
Members of his family own property and have other interests in the town.
There were five submissions to council objecting to the development, and four in support.
Objectors were concerned with potential late night noise and lights, dust from the laneway behind the building and traffic issues relating to increasingly heavy traffic on Barwan Street.
One objector was concerned about the potential for loud ‘bass’ music emanating from the venue late at night.
However, the deveoloper’s submission noted that there woluld be no ‘night club’ style music emanating, patrons were encouraged to use personal headphones for music and the style of the fitness centre was to be quieter than most.
Supporters of the project cited the need for the community facility as the population, permanent and transient, grew, and shift workers sought access outside normal working hours.
“We support the development of a nationally franchised fitness centre which will benefit the community, including the elderly, and add to Narrabri’s status as a regional centre, a submission in support said.
Greg Arthur said the fitness centre would significantly add to the town’s facilities.
“We want to engage with the sporting clubs and get involved in the community.
“Everyone realises nowadays that healthier is better and how exercise daily is so important.”
The development will see extensive work on the premises, removal of internal walls, new toilets, new offices, creation of the training areas and signage, a planning report to council said. Gym equipment will comprise an array of cardio equipment, strength machines and free weights.
”The development is permissible and compatible with the zone objectives” the planning department report said.
“Despite its business zoning the land does, however, adjoin a number of residential premises and issues relating to noise, privacy and lighting impacts on adjoining properties are relevant considerations for Council. These issues have been considered at length.”
The planning department recommended approval of the development.
Council regulations required the provision of 14 car parking spaces but the fitness centre will provide 30.