PLANS to transform a gym into a charity shop have taken a ‘positive’ step forward.
East Cheshire Hospice is looking to purchase the Knutsford Gym premises on Malt Street, with a view to turning it into a charity shop.
As part of this, the hospice applied to Cheshire East Council for a certificate of lawful proposed use for the change from a gym to a retail shop.
On Wednesday (July 31), the council formally greenlit the plans.
“As both the existing and proposed use of the building fall within Class E of the Use Class Order, the change of use does not require planning permission and thus the proposal is considered lawful,” read the case officer’s report.
The building was used as a shop prior to 2013 when it was converted into a gym.
Negotiations to purchase the site are ongoing, but Rachel Allcock, income generation director at East Cheshire Hospice, is hopeful an agreement can be reached soon.
She said: “We’re delighted by this positive result which brings us another step forward in progressing our purchase of the Knutsford Gym property.
“Legal negotiations are still taking place, but we are hoping to exchange contracts and complete the purchase as soon as possible.
“We’ll announce information on a potential opening date as soon as we can.”
Speaking previously, Ms Allcock said it will not be a ‘typical’ charity shop.
“It will be boutique-style, with the same look and feel as our store in Poynton,” Rachel added.
“It will be more higher-end and selling furniture, which is really exciting as that is something a bit newer to Knutsford.
“We have been really keen to open in Knutsford as it would tie in with launch of our new service in the town – Hospice@Home.
“We are also hoping to establish ourselves more in the Knutsford community as people may not know we are their local hospice."
The hospice’s plans for Knutsford Gym have been welcomed by the public.
One resident said: “Excellent idea.
“Providing an opportunity to recycle and repurpose unwanted items including larger items. Really useful for local people.
“Good site, allowing easy collection and drop off. Better than another gym or home interior shop.”
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