Rustington gym owners plan to open new site

Optimus Gym, which opened its first site in Rustington in 2019, is looking to open a new premises on the Terminus Road industrial estate in Chichester, in the building previously occupied by furniture store Feather & Black.

The gym's owners said they offer a 'unique experience' by providing 'flexible and affordable' space and a variety of different equipment for members to train in a Covid-secure way.

The 'very successful' business has more than 700 registered members in Rustington and has 'continued to flourish' despite having to adapt to coronavirus restrictions.

The objective of the new gym is to provide suitable commercial accommodation for a successful business 'wishing to expand into the Chichester market place'.

The planning statement added: "[We want] to provide facilities for physical fitness and training for residents and visitors to Chichester city. To achieve the above in a way that is not significantly harmful to neighbouring amenity or the local community.

"With a number of their registered customers residents in Chichester, the applicants are looking to expand their successful enterprise to open a second gym providing a space and fitness facilities to the Chichester area.

"Many businesses and their premises have needed to adapt to survive these challenging times and the prospect of a new business that will create eight new jobs with opportunities for 10-15 trainers benefiting indirectly through use of the gym facilities and the applicant’s popular model of affordable gym membership to the community of Chichester is to be welcomed and merits support."

Chichester City Council offered no objection to the proposed gym, which would be open from 6am to 10pm on weekdays and 7am to 7pm at weekends.

The application continued: "The close proximity to other leisure facilities at Chichester Gate provides an attractive draw to potential customers of the gym and the gym’s customer base has the potential to increase the visitor stay time bringing economic benefits to other businesses in the area.

"[There would be] further opportunities for around five private trainers to work in the gym and use the facilities on a space rental basis, giving employment opportunities for a total of 23 people."

Westergate resident Riccardo Vullo offered his support to the plans which 'will bring a positive experience to Chichester'

He wrote: "It is a very exciting prospect for Chichester and a positive move for the city. [It is] fantastic to see a business striving to succeed in such challenging times.

"With health and wellbeing becoming more of a focus and public concern, a gym that looks to help the local community would be of great benefit."