A change of use application to allow an established gym in Keswick to expand into an adjacent workshop and increase its membership has been lodged with the Lake District National Park Authority.
Andy Bryson, who runs G’Day Fitness Ltd (trading as Beyond) from unit two in Southey Yard, Southey Street, has ambitions to convert unit one, which is a workshop and storage area, into a gym and sports therapy clinic.
In a letter to the authority supporting his planning application, Mr Bryson, who took over the existing gym business in November 2024, said: “We believe this development of the building will add significant value to the local community as well as visitors to Keswick.
“For a number of years Keswick has been left behind in terms of facilities for sport, exercise and recovery compared to other Cumbrian towns.
“Our plan is to create a space that will have a direct impact on Keswick residents’ health and fitness and helping build a community that supports and encourages each other.
“The warehouse itself at the moment is only half full and previously was empty for two years before being leased to the current tenants who are due to relocate in April this year.”
The gym was originally set up three years ago by personal trainers Dave and Broc Bell who met in Australia. It currently runs as a normal gym space from 6.30am to 7.30pm weekdays, 8am to 3pm on Saturdays and 10am to 1pm on Sundays, as well as running group fitness classes.
“We have almost reached capacity of members and the opportunity to move into the larger unit means we would be able to grow our membership base and help more people stay fit and active,” said Andy. “In turn this would also create more job opportunities for locals as we would need reception, cleaning and fitness staff.”
The application will be determined by the LDNPA at a later date.
