A Jersey gym is seeking permission to extend its opening hours in a bid to clear more than £180,000 in debt.
Transform Together Fitness, based on Longueville Road in St Saviour, has lodged a planning application to open earlier and close later on weekdays, arguing the move could generate enough income to clear the debt within 18 months.
The business wants to vary an existing planning condition to allow opening from 6am instead of 6.45am, and to remain open until 8pm rather than 6.45pm, Monday to Friday. It is also seeking to operate from 8am to 4pm on Saturdays and bank holidays.
Planning documents state that Transform Together is currently carrying over £180,000 in debt, and that extended hours are key to recovery.
The application argues that early mornings and evenings are the most in-demand times for its members, particularly working parents.
“6am and 7pm are peak session times for this facility’s clientele, particularly busy parents balancing work and family commitments,” the design statement said.
“These hours align with comparable gyms, wellness centres, and personal training studios.”
By adding two extra daily sessions, the gym estimates it could generate an additional £8,656 per month, based on attracting 36 more members, which would allow the business to clear its debt within approximately 18 months.
However, previous attempts to extend hours were refused due to concerns about noise and disturbance to nearby residents.
A 2023 application was rejected on the grounds that it would “cause unreasonable harm by virtue of increased noise, nuisance and disturbance”.
But, according to the new application, the gym has since taken steps to address those concerns – including installing acoustic flooring, upgrading to double-glazed soundproof windows, and repositioning equipment to reduce vibration.
Music levels are also restricted, with volumes capped at 50% before 8am and after 6.45pm.
The facility is located on the lower ground floor of a commercial building that already houses businesses operating without time restrictions, including warehouse storage requiring regular deliveries.
The applicants said these mitigation measures, alongside stricter operational controls, should minimise any impact on those who live nearby.
In the longer term, Transform Together said becoming debt-free would allow it to expand and open further facilities, “contributing positively to the local economy and improving the health and wellbeing of island residents”.
The full planning application can be viewed online.
