Ex-hardware store turning into Snap Fitness gym in key growth are

A section of a warehouse that used to be part of a longstanding hardware store will be turned into a gym franchise, after the Toowoomba Regional Council approved plans.

A new gym has been approved for Highfields by the council.

Part of the old Home Hardware site on O’Brien Rd in Highfields will now house a Snap Fitness, with the proposal getting the green light last week by the council.

Under the plan by applicant Perpetual Limited, the 430 sqm gym would include a 115 sqm mezzanine floor to be added inside, while the northern section would be leased out for other uses.

“It is to be noted that under the Major Centre Zone, indoor sport and recreation is considered accepted development if reusing an existing building and there is no more than 25 sqm of additional floor area proposed,” the report by Platinum Planning Solutions said.

“Therefore, this material change of use only relates to the proposed mezzanine addition as it exceeds 25 sqm.

The proposed works will not alter the existing building form or footprint, with no change to the on-site parking configuration.”

The TRC issued an information request relating to parking, wastewater, noise generation and kitchen facilities, all of which were responded to by the applicant.

Council planning officer Peter Swan recommended the proposal by approved, attaching more than 50 conditions.

Snap Fitness is currently located just off the New England Highway in Highfields, while there is a second gym based in Toowoomba.