Blue Lake CrossFit, Valhalla Gym, Doggy Den among new development plans in and around Mount Gambier

From a church to a doggie daycare service to expanded gyms, multiple new plans are proposed for the Mount.

South Australia’s second-largest city of Mount Gambier is expected to boom, as upcoming infrastructure projects and a steadily growing population make the regional town an appealing location to live.

Here’s a look at four projects submitted to the Mount Gambier Council that cater to local demand for vital services, in hopes of boosting the town’s livelihood.

Indoor recreation facility

The co-owner and head coach of Blue Lake CrossFit, a well-established fitness gym, intends to convert an office and warehouse into an indoor recreation facility.

The proposed gym located at Graham Rd, on the western side of the town, would feature a spacious main gym area, reception, members lounge/waiting area, equipment storage room, office and two toilets.

If approved, it would offer fitness classes for a maximum of 10 members a session, with three session times available on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, two classes on Thursday, and one class on Saturday.

Having opened the gym 13 years ago, the business now need to move to a new space, planning documents say.

Public consultation closes on July 10.

Place of worship

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia hope to breathe new life into an unused historic chapel on Herbert St by transforming it into a vibrant Greek Orthodox church.

The chapel at 11 Herbert St, Mount Gambier. Picture: Google d

If approved, it would feature a revamped chapel area for services and liturgical elements including the Holy Table Altar, throne and a bishop’s seat.

A utility room for functions such as post-service gatherings, Bible study and meetings, new kitchen bench and a mezzanine room are planned.

Built in 1869 as the Rosaville Primitive Methodist Church, the chapel is structurally ruined and needs restoration works to fix aged-related defects.

It was briefly a bed and breakfast before being vandalised and left empty.

Public consultation closes on July 15.

Doggy daycare

Since opening in November 2024, the Doggy Den quickly became a popular service in the town and has now reached capacity at its current premises.

Owners of the dog daycare service want to move to Avey Rd to meet client demand, while introducing a new overnight care service – for up to five dogs – offered every day, including public holidays, from 6.30pm to 6.30am.

The Doggy Den in Mount Gambier is proposing a new centre.

The new centre would feature four separate on-site play pens, better indoor facilities including non-porous rubber mat or vinyl laminate flooring, two outdoor play yards with grass, bark, and concrete areas.

A dedicated bedroom and ensuite for management would be used overnight.

If approved, it could accommodate up to 68 dogs at any given time while still upholding a high standard of care.

Public consultation closes on July 10.

Indoor gym, recreation facility

Owners of Valhalla Gym lodged an application seeking to extend its operational hours to a 24/7 schedule to help fitness enthusiasts access their services.

The gym, located on a 2100 sqm site at Ramsay Ave, has a range of facilities including main gym, change and washrooms, a lunch room, class area, and a creche.

The proposed change would help give members more flexibility to access the fitness class schedule.

Public consultation closes on July 22.

Supported independent accommodation facility

A Suttontown property would be transformed into a new supported independent living accommodation up to three residents – hoping to address regional demand for high-quality housing under a plan.

Located at Princes Hwy, about 7km northwest of Mount Gambier’s town centre, the supported living accommodation would feature three private resident bedrooms, with one ensuite and shared accessible bathrooms fitted with grab rails and wide doors access.

Supported living accommodation would be provided at this Suttontown home near Mount Gambier under a plan.

It would boast an open-plan kitchen, lounge/dining area, a secure sensory-friendly outdoor leisure space, and a designated smoking area.

If approved, it would support low-risk, pre-screened NDIS participants, by providing 24/7 person-centred support services from support workers, nurses, night staff and house leaders.

Public consultation closes on July 10.