Anytime Fitness, Gladesville faces closure over noise, security issues

The owner of Anytime Fitness gym at Gladesville has copped a knockout blow from authorities after residents’ complaints over noise and security concerns in the mixed-used building.

Under the pump: Anytime Fitness personal trainer Lucy Piper puts client Syed Ismail through his paces at Gladesville on Sunday. Picture: AAP Image / Troy Snook

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The owner of Anytime Fitness gym at Gladesville has copped a knockout blow after residents’ complaints over noise and security concerns in the mixed-used building forced authorities to call time on his operations.

The Ryde Local Planning Panel delivered owner Stuart Pass and his 1500 members an unwelcome Christmas message when it ruled the gym was in breach of its operating consent at 297-303 Victoria Rd.

Anytime Fitness was granted approval for a 12-month trial from August 2017, which was extended. But it now faces an expensive legal challenge in the Land and Environment Court to keep the doors open.

“The prospect of having to potentially close the gym is devastating, not only for myself and our club staff, but for our local club community who have been so supportive of our success thus far and rely on our facilities to improve their health and fitness,” Mr Pass said.

Anytime Fitness owner Stuart Pass is prepared to do whatever it takes to keep the doors open at the 24/7 gym in Gladesville. Picture: AAP Image / Troy Snook

The community has rallied behind Mr Pass, with a petition to save the gym attracting more than 1000 signatures since last month.

Ryde independent councillor Roy Maggio has thrown his support behind the 24/7 gym.

“As a council we should continue to support local business,” he said. “We need amenities like this gym to activate the precincts.”

Anytime Fitness is located in a mixed-use building with residents on Victoria Rd, Gladesville. Picture: AAP Image / Troy Snook

Ryde Labor Mayor Jerome Laxale said the decision to close down the gym was “out of council’s hands”.

“It’s been determined by the State Government’s unelected Local Planning Panel, which are out of step with community expectations,” he said. “If it was my decision, I would have given the applicant an extension of time to get their house in order and make it compliant.”