Owners of Harrogate's Nuffield gym refute closure claims amid a swirl of rumours
“Nuffield Health remains committed to our Harrogate Fitness and Wellbeing Centre and the more than 2,500 members who use it”
The owners of Harrogate’s Nuffield Health on Hornbeam Park have confirmed that it intends to continue as a gym following online speculation about its future.
News that North Yorkshire Council had approved a planning application for external alterations at the Nuffield Health Fitness and Wellbeing building triggered a wave of social media posts from worried gym-goers and Harrogate Advertiser readers.
The plans were submitted by Hornbeam Park Developments and allow for new windows and rooflights to improve natural light and ventilation for a new occupier. The accompanying design and access statement also refers to a change of use from indoor sport, recreation or fitness to offices.
The latter part of the plans sparked rumors that the Harrogate Nuffield Gym was closing.
However, Hornbeam Park Developments, which owns the building, said its plans for a potential business centre were dependent on the current lease not being renewed.
A spokesman for the company said: "The lease is due to expire on March 24, 2027 and in the absence of a new lease we are working with a third party for use as a business centre."
A design and access statement submitted by Richard Eves Architects as part of the application said: “This statement has been prepared in support of a planning application for external alterations to an existing building to accommodate internal alterations with respect to a change of use of the building from Use Class E(d) Indoor sport, recreation or fitness to offices E(g).”
Nuffield Health confirmed it was in ongoing discussions with the building’s landlord over renewing its lease, which runs until 2027.
But they said they were committed to maintaining the property on Hornbeam Park as a gym for the residents of Harrogate for the long-term.
A Nuffield Health spokesperson said: “Nuffield Health remains committed to our Harrogate Fitness and Wellbeing Centre and the more than 2,500 members who use it.
“We are currently in discussions with the landlord regarding the renewal of our lease, which runs until 2027, and our intention is to continue serving the Harrogate community for the long-term.
“It is not unusual for landlords to explore options ahead of lease renewals, and we remain optimistic that a positive outcome can be reached that enables us to continue providing fitness and wellbeing services to local residents.”
Hornbeam Park Developments is a Harrogate-based commercial property and real estate company owned and led by developer Chris Bentley MBE.
The firm is the main developer and owner of the Hornbeam Business Park.
The site became a Nuffield Health Fitness and Wellbeing centre in 2008 when Nuffield took over The Cannons Health and Fitness club, which had been purpose-built in 2002.