Erina Fair: Lendlease lodges plans for 24 hour gym at former Target site

When $5.1 million plans to convert the old Target shop into a Decathlon sports megastore crashed, Erina Fair owner Lendlease pivoted in a new direction. See what is planned.

The former Target site at Erina Fair could become home to the shopping centre’s second 24-hour gym.

The future of the old Target site has been a hot topic among staff and customers of the popular Erina complex since the retail giant closed its doors on May 7.

Lendlease has lodged “change of use” plans with Central Coast Council for a 24-hour gym to take up one third of the site, known as Tenancy 389.

If plans are approved, the gym will be the second at the shopping centre with Fitness First downstairs in The Hive and a third gym, the Impact Centre, located a stones throw away in Chetwynd Rd.

Map revealing the area identified for a 24-hour gym.

The old Target site has been boarded with signs reading “new spaces to enjoy”.

“The proposed development will involve the change of use for the existing commercial premises to a recreation facility (indoor) at the northeastern corner of the existing centre,” the plans state.

“The 24-hour gym will provide an ideal supporting facility to existing staff and customers of the Erina Fair. It’s location provides for ease of use before, during and after work hours, encouraging exercise and therefore adding to the general health and wellbeing of the community.”

The proposed gym will have a maximum of five staff and eight personal trainers.

It comes as redevelopment plans for the north eastern wing of the shopping centre (the Target site) have been approved to the tune of $5.1m.

Target closed its doors on May 7.

There are plans to convert part of the old Target into a 24-hour gym.

Lendlease’s plans were initially designed to cater for sports clothing giant Decathlon however with those plans falling through, will now allow for the 24-hour gym as well as other tenants in the remaining space.

“The alterations involve facade amendments, including signage, a new entry, and rooftop mechanical deck,” the plans state.

The revamp, approved by the council in February, will also see the removal of 16 carparks in the rooftop carpark which houses the current Big W entrance, while the entrance to Australia Post will be getting a makeover.

The northeastern wing is set for a revamp including the Australia Post entrance.

Lendlease indicates the centre currently has 4878 carparks and the removal of 16 will not impact parking demands.

“The proposed alterations to the Erina Fair Centre allows for an improved building facade presentation; better pedestrian connectivity; and facilitates future tenancy operations,” the plans state.

“It is located within a growth corridor and is proposed during a time when employment growth is critical for the coast.”

The former Target site has been boarded off with signs indicating there will be “new spaces to enjoy”.

Erina Fair staff and customers have been keen to find out the plans for the old target site. Picture: Sue Graham

Erina Fair centre manager Stephen Ross was approached for comment on the latest plans and said “we continue to evolve our retail mix at Erina Fair for the community and have exciting plans for the former Target space, which we look forward to sharing in due course”.

Target officially closed its doors on May 7 after being one of the first tenants at the popular shopping centre when it opened in 1987.