Plan for new basement gym in Queen Street

Thursday 13 July 2023

A new gym could open in Queen Street if plans to convert empty basement shops are approved.

The owner of Queensway House, a large building between Halkett Street and Halkett Place which is now completely empty, has applied to convert three retail units in the basement into a space for a sport and fitness centre.

Architect Nick Socrates said that it would be an ideal place for a gym and recreation space, and the applicant was currently looking for a suitable operator, should permission be granted.

Planning permission has already been granted to replace one of the empty ground-floor shops in Queensway House with a public arcade reconnecting Queen Street with Hilgrove Street behind.

Approval has also been granted to convert upstairs offices into 32 flats.

However, Mr Socrates said the owner, Queensway House Limited, was still considering whether flats or serviced offices would be the most appropriate use for the upper floors.