Timetable moved forward for Pure Gym to open at Elgin Retail Park

Fitness chain PureGym has revealed a new timeline for the opening of their first gym in Moray.

The firm will open the new gym inside a vacant retail unit at Elgin Retail Park later this year.

Since 2008, unit 8 at the park on Edgar Road has lay empty.

In May, the fitness company, which runs more than 330 facilities across the UK, lodged a change of use application for the unit.

Now planning chiefs have approved the plans.

The opening comes sooner than expected.

Bosses previously raised hopes to open their doors early next year.

A PureGym spokeswoman said: “We are pleased that planning has been approved for a new PureGym at Elgin Retail Park.

“We are now one step closer to bringing flexible, affordable fitness to the people of Elgin and look forward to welcoming them to join when we open later this year.”

Elgin town centre was considered by PureGym

Through the planning process, Moray Council requested PureGym investigate units within the Elgin town centre.

This request was made in line with the Moray Local Development Plan.

The plan advocates a town centre-first approach to uses which deliver significant footfall.

This is in place to protect the vitality and viability of town centres.

After looking at various properties, the firm couldn’t find any suitable premises in the town centre or nearby for a gym.

Here are some of the Elgin town centre spots they considered:

• 31 South Street
• St Giles Centre
• 69 South Street
• 132 High Street
• 79-83 High Street
• 134 High Street

‘Much-needed’ 24-hour fitness

The gym will help fill the need for a 24-hour gym in the town. Anytime Fitness gym closed in 2021 in the retail park.

The company announced the premises would not reopen. It is understood the franchise failed to reach an agreement with the landlord and transition to new ownership.

‘Elgin PureGym anticipates large membership base’

Owners of the Elgin Retail Park have welcomed the arrival of PureGym.

A spokeswoman told the Press and Journal: “We are delighted to welcome PureGym to the retail park.

“PureGym anticipates a large membership base in Moray, and to provide the best possible gym experience, it sought a change of use for Unit 8 which best meets the size requirements for its operations.”

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