PLANS for a £750,000 fitness centre that could bring 35 jobs to Caernarfon have been given the go ahead.
The proposed gym on Doc Fictoria was approved by Councillors at a Gwynedd Council planning committee meeting on Wednesday approved a change of use application for the ground floor of Block C for use as a private gymnasium.
Speaking before the meeting, Gwilym Bee of developers G&C Bee Construction Ltd said that the centre would create 25 full time and 10 part time jobs when it opens.
He added: “We’re hoping to create something that’s unique to Caernarfon, and that will prevent local gym trade from being lost to Bangor.”
The 400 square metre gym will include a weight room, saunas and steam rooms, beauty treatments and two studios for dance, martial arts and fitness classes.
There will also be a self service cafe for members.
25 full time and 10 part time positions would be created for people living in Caernarfon and the surrounding area.
However, a number of councillors at the meeting expressed their concerns about possible parking problems in Doc Fictoria.
Councillor Tudor Owen added: “Doc Fictoria has promised a lot and it has not happened.”
“I don’t think that this will improve the situation.”
He added that the gym would close within a year if it was aimed only at Caernarfon residents and that there was nowhere for people from the surrounding area to park.
Councillor Huw Edwards added that there were already gyms in Caernarfon that were already struggling to attract residents.
The application was accepted on the condition that it was built in five years, no external alterations were made without consent and an agreement on building materials.
There is already planning permission for a gym on the first and second floors.
The gym is expected to be completed by January 2011.