Rockdale is fast becoming the fitness hub of the south after Rockdale Council reviewed another 24/7 gym development application last week, writes Brian Vane-Tempest.
The newcomer, Anytime Fitness, would ramp up the already fierce competition for the local fitness dollar among operators Fitness First, Titan Fitness, Fernwood, 24/7 Plus and Jetts. If approved, it would be the third 24-hour gym on West Botany Street within walking distance of Rockdale Plaza.
Applicant and franchise owner Luke Knapp acknowledged the challenge he faced.
“I’m well aware of the many gyms in the area already, but I’m very confident in the product that we will offer local residents,” he said.
Mr Knapp, who has been in the fitness industry for 12 years, said he would invest $250,000 in a fit-out and refurbishment of the proposed site. He said the gym could be open by mid-July.
Neighbouring businesses and residents have mixed reactions to a gym on the site that was formerly occupied by BBC Tiles. Resident Darcy Jones said he wasn’t happy about it being just three doors down from his home.
“Where are they going to park? It’s bedlam here on a Saturday already with Bunnings next door,” he said.
John R Turk store manager, Steve Masi, conceded there could be an issue with parking on Saturdays. But he said he wasn’t overly concerned with a gym being his new neighbour.
“It won’t affect us too much, we have shared the space with other businesses in the past, although it’s a bit strange having so many gyms in the one area,” he said.
The application to council addressed the issues of membership, noise, traffic generation and parking. Council planning officer Michael Maloof, who is assessing the proposal, acknowledged there was a concentration of gyms in Rockdale.
“There appears to be a demand for these facilities in this area as the demographics are definitely changing,” he said.
Mr Maloof said a determination of the application would be based on the key issues of parking and the operating hours of the gym. He said although there had been no written objections to the proposal to date, he was keen to hear from interested parties.
The council is expected to make a decision on the application next week.
