Glasgow Gym Users Fear Finnieston Flats Plan Will Ruin Their Community
Gym members in Glasgow rally against a proposed flats development, fearing it will harm their community and local amenities
Glasgow, Finnieston, Gym, Community, Housing, Redevco
Glasgow: A plan to replace a gym in Finnieston with flats has gym-goers really worried. They believe this move would “destroy a community.”
Members of the Nuffield Health gym on Minerva Way are pushing back against a proposal from Redevco to build 391 rental homes on that site. They’ve even gathered over 2,000 signatures on a petition to stop it.
Despite their concerns, Glasgow City Council is leaning towards approving the plan. They argue there are other facilities nearby, including another Nuffield Health gym just a short walk away.
But Vicki Simpson, a gym member, pointed out that many people didn’t know about the original plans because of lockdowns. Now, with over 3,000 members, they’re making their voices heard.
Keith Trotter, another gym user, mentioned that the staff are really anxious about the situation. He noted that the site was labeled as “underutilized” during the pandemic, which is why it seemed that way.
Initially, there was only a handful of objections, but now there are over 250 complaints to the council. The developers had previously been approved for 195 homes but are now pushing for even more.
Dr. David Johnson, a local resident, shared that the developers admitted they couldn’t make the project work with just 195 flats. They need to build more to make it financially viable.
While gym members don’t mind some development, they want to keep the gym. It’s not just a place to work out; it’s a community hub with a pool, climbing wall, and even a creche.
Julie Fitzpatrick expressed frustration, saying the developers claim to enhance communities but are actually taking away from it. She believes they could create something better without destroying the gym.
Yolander Yeo added that the gym serves the growing population in the area, providing a vital space for health and wellness.
Planners mentioned that Nuffield Health memberships might be transferred to a nearby gym, but members argue that the other location can’t match their current facilities.
Redevco’s plans include amenities like a gym for residents, a library, and green spaces, but many locals feel these won’t replace what they’re losing.
In the end, the developers say their project will help meet housing needs in a convenient location. But for the gym users, it feels like a loss of something much more valuable.