24-hour gym confirmed for Haddington's former Aldi store

Aldi moved out of its premises off the town’s Whittingehame Drive and into its new home at Haddington Retail Park five years ago.

Since then, the former supermarket building has been split into three, with Toolstation and Screwfix moving in.

Now, Edinburgh-based Abercromby Investments Limited has identified the remaining unit as the ideal site for a gym.

An application was approved this week by East Lothian Council’s planning department, which received no objections to the proposals.

According to those behind the new “high-quality” fitness facility: “The proposed gym will include a range of cardiovascular and strength equipment, together with gym classes and personal training services.

“As with many modern gyms, the proposed facility at Haddington Trade Park will operate on a 24-hour basis, seven days a week, providing access to the whole community, including those who work shift patterns such as key workers.

“It is envisaged that the proposed gym will create up to 12 full and part-time jobs including management roles, personal trainers, gym instructors and cleaners.”

The developers had looked at various sites throughout Haddington before deciding to rule them out.

Among those being considered was the former Plough Tavern Hotel, as well as the former Gardeners Arms.

The Court Street premises were deemed to be “too small to accommodate the proposed gym”, while the available floorspace at the Kilpair Street site was deemed “unsuitable”.

Now, work could soon start on the gym, which will fill the remaining unit at the site.

The developers state: “As the council may be aware, there has been considerable growth in 24-hour health and fitness facilities in recent years, largely driven by the affordable market sector.

“The proposed gym will operate on a 24-hour basis, seven days a week to enable its members, including those who work shifts and key workers, to fit their fitness regimes around their working patterns and other commitments.

“The number of visitors to the gym between 10pm and 6am will be low.

“Group exercise classes are not held at night and only low-level background music will be played within the gym.

“Gym members normally arrive individually and are almost certain to do so during night-time hours.

“There will consequently be no issues with groups of people or any sort of anti-social behaviour.”

Planning officials added three conditions to the approval, including that noise levels – throughout the day and night – would not exceed certain levels.

It was also stated that the use of the building could only be as a gym and not other Class 11 uses, such as cinema or casino.