Revo gym proposed for Portrush Rd at Trinity Gardens as fitness chain booms in South Australia

It was allegedly a hotbed of “anti-social behaviours” – now this huge block in Adelaide’s east could become a mega-gym as Revo’s SA proliferation surges.

Plans are afoot to convert a large Trinity Gardens corner block into a Revo. Picture: Darren Chaitman / Suppied

A large corner block in Adelaide’s east – which was allegedly a former hotspot for “anti-social behaviours” – could soon become a Revo mega-gym as the fitness chain’s rapid growth across the state continues.

A planning application submitted by Revo Fitness to Norwood, Payneham and St Peters Council has detailed a plan to construct a gym on an empty 2150 sqm block on Portrush Rd at Trinity Gardens.

A letter prepared by Green Light Planning, forming part of the application, said previous buildings at the site – a residential dwelling and a two-storey commercial building – were demolished in early 2025 because of “regular break-ins, constant graffiti and anti-social behaviours and activities occurring inside the buildings”.

The large block of land at Portrush Rd, Trinity Gardens proposed to become a Revo. Picture: Darren Chaitman

A building at the Portrush Rd site in October 2024. Picture: Google Maps

A building at the Portrush Rd site in October 2024. Picture: Google Maps

There is no suggestion the owners or tenants were associated with the past alleged activities.

The large 24/7 gym is proposed to be 1145 sqm in size with a 208 sqm mezzanine and a 39-spot carpark.

The site is adjoined by Access Hardware and directly faces Trinity Gardens Primary School. In the application, Green Light Planning said the gym’s peak hours would not coincide with the school’s start and finish times.

Revo’s website lists 12 gyms open in Adelaide – with plans to open branches at Salisbury Downs and Golden Grove in 2025 and 2026 – after only entering the South Australian market in 2022.

Inside a Revo gym at Australind, WA. Picture: Revo Fitness, Facebook

Inside a Revo gym at Australind, WA. Picture: Revo Fitness, Facebook

Instead of traditional fitness classes, the chain offers virtual classes available 24/7 through an on-screen instructor and Bluetooth headphones.

Adelaide fitness industry veteran Kim Tanska last month told The Advertiser smaller gyms were struggling to stay open, in part because they could not compete with the low membership prices of “massive mega gyms” owned by fitness chains.

The Trinity Gardens planning application is open for public feedback until June 26.