A fitness firm in Moray is preparing to change its current premises in an old bingo hall with a new base at a former cinema.
Sfear Kickboxing, Health and Fitness currently runs classes for more than 100 people every week at their Baker Street home in Lossiemouth.
However, now the firm is aiming to expand after reaching capacity with the amount of people they can put through their paces.
Plans have been submitted to convert the current Grampian Furnishers store in the town into a three-storey fitness centre.
Fears had been raised about the future for trading in Lossiemouth if the furniture outlet fell empty once the firm relocated to Elgin.
But yesterday, Jason Fletcher, manager of Sfear, explained the iconic art deco building was never likely to remain vacant.
He said: “For us, it’s such a prominent location. We maybe get a dozen people walking past our current premises – there will be people going by all the time there.
“I know Grampian Furnishers were very keen it remained as a business, and not just turned into a block of flats.
“It came along at the right time for us, it’s a great opportunity to have a big presence in the town, especially as we are at about our capacity now.”
Mr Fletcher, who served in the RAF for 23 years, hopes the move into the former Regal Cinema will be completed before the end of the year.
The fitness instructor has drawn up plans for a gym on the ground floor, a cafe and changing rooms on the first floor and a matted area to perform martial arts on the second storey.
Last night, Heldon and Laich councillor James Allan was “encouraged” to see two firms from Lossiemouth on the up.
He said: “It’s really good to see. Sfear have done so well in their current place. It’ll be interesting to see how much they can grow again in that big three-floor building.
“I was a bit worried when I heard Grampian Furnishers were moving because they bring so much trade.
“It’s good to see someone else moving into the Regal.”
