Residents rally against plans to replace a beloved gym with new flats in Glasgow
Glasgow: Folks in Finnieston are really worried about plans to replace their favorite gym with flats. They’ve started a petition, and over 1,780 people have signed it to save the Nuffield Health gym on Minerva Way.
Many locals feel that losing the gym would leave them without enough leisure options. Plus, they’re not too keen on the height and size of the proposed flats. But the council’s planners think the project should go ahead, saying there are other health facilities nearby.
They mentioned that the gym’s demolition was already approved back in 2021 when they first gave the green light for the flats. The developers argue that this new project will help meet the housing demand in the area.
Originally, the plan was to build 195 homes, but now they want to up that to 391 flats. After some back and forth, the developers made changes to the design, like lowering the height of the buildings and adding more communal spaces.
However, local councillor Angus Millar has heard from residents who are concerned about losing such an important community space. They feel that while there are other gyms around, they don’t offer the same facilities as the Nuffield Health gym.
David Johnson, representing a local conservation group, also voiced concerns about the scale of the development, calling it over-development. He believes it’s unacceptable to lose a thriving community gym.
The petition organizer, David Leese, emphasized how important the gym is to the community, saying it’s more than just a place to work out. It’s a vital part of their lives.
While the council has done its homework and believes the new flats won’t negatively impact the area’s character, many locals are still worried. They feel they weren’t properly consulted about these changes.
There’s also talk that if the gym closes, memberships might transfer to another nearby location, but that’s not confirmed yet. The developers plan to include amenities like a gym for residents, a library, and even a children’s play area in the new flats.
They’ll also have to pay a hefty fee since their plans don’t meet all the requirements for outdoor space and play areas. The developers are pushing the idea that this project will improve the local area and provide much-needed housing.
It’s a lot to unpack, and the community is really hoping their voices will be heard before any final decisions are made.
