Former Blockbuster Store Could Be Converted To Gym

The former Blockbuster store in Wrexham could be converted into gym space if a planning application is approved.

In an application submitted to Wrexham Council it is proposed that Simply Gym, which lies next door to the building, extend their facilities into the old Blockbuster store.

The former Blockbuster is located between Home Bargains and Simply Gym on Holt Street just outside town centre and has remained vacant store closed last December, when the company’s owners announced that they had gone into administration.

Wrexham’s store was one of the last of the Blockbuster franchise to close, with 10 jobs lost as a result.

Within the application’s Retail Impact Assessment it notes: “The Letting Agents advise that there had been no interest in letting the unit as A1 (retail) since and they foresee the possibility of the unit remaining empty for a long period.

“This application is for the extension of Simply Gym to expand and support the viability of the business.”

Along with this, the application states that ‘additional staff’ would need to be required to manage the additional facilities in the new space.

No physical changes would be made to the exterior of the building, with the main entrance to the gym remaining in place. However the Blockbuster store entrance will be closed off and used solely as fire exit doors.

Within the Retail Impact Assessment is also notes that: “The Change of Use will not make any significant changes in car parking requirement over A1 (retail) video shop – with peak use early evening when the adjoining Home Bargains will be closing.”

The interior of the building will see the bulk of the former Blockbusters converted into a ‘Free Weights’ room, with new link doors added to connect the facilities to the gym. Along with this a small physio suite will be developed.

Outside the front shop windows of the former Blockbuster store will also be vinyled to give ‘privacy to the users of the gym’.

The Retail Impact Assessment adds: “With regard to WCBC Adopted UDP we do not believe this change of use will be detrimental to the vitality of the town centre.”

The future of the former Blockbuster store will be decided when the application goes before a Planning Committee at a later date.