Gym plans shelved by Tesco (From Messenger Newspapers)
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Stretford is no longer in store for Tesco gym
11:22am Thursday 1st November 2012 in News
TRAFFORD’S Labour councillors have welcomed the decision to withdraw a planning application for a gym at the new Tesco store in Stretford.
The application raised concerns that it would hit demand for the facilities at the neighbouring Stretford Sports Village.
This was recently opened by Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson and has been developed through a partnership between Stretford High School, Trafford Council and Trafford Community Leisure Trust.
The planning application for a gym was due to go before the planning committee in Trafford this month but was withdrawn by the store giant last week. Tesco is now looking at alternative uses for the space.
Longford ward councillor Anne Duffield, who led the chorus of opposition to the proposal, said: “We really welcome the news that Tesco has withdrawn its planning application for the gym in its store in Stretford.
"We are now looking to work with them to bring as much benefit to the local community as possible and ensure that any facilities they provide are those that will add real value to the area.”
Bernie Jones, chief executive of Trafford Community Leisure Trust, said: "We are delighted with the decision by Tesco to withdraw the application for a new gym at the new store. The leisure trust can continue to provide quality gym facilities at Stretford Sports Village's Talbot and Chester centres."
Doug Wilson, Tesco corporate affairs manager said: “We have withdrawn the application for a gym in the mezzanine floor in our new store. The decision to withdraw the application was taken after discussions with Trafford Council, these discussions looked at the current gym provision in the immediate area.
“Our focus currently is on welcoming customers to our fantastic new store in late November.
“We are discussing options for the space internally and with Trafford Council and we are also keen to ask local people and customers for their suggestions, this will probably take place after Christmas.”
