As Director of Advantage Planning Services, I often get involved in obtaining planning approvals for Gymnasiums. Or are they Gyms?
Gymnasiums are by definition a building equipped with facilities for gymnastics and sport. Such places are often associated with schools or sports clubs but a lot are smaller scale, private facilities focused on offering a more exclusive training experience or even ‘one-on-one’ training sessions.
I consider a fitness centre to be where restricted membership, rather than hundreds of members or belonging to a club or school, creates a more exclusive experience. These fitness centres are generally more intense offering a more specific work out experience in smaller groups and are known to enhance their member’s fitness goals quicker. Because the classes are small and the duration generally intense and limited in length the same on site car parking requirements should not apply that would apply for a gymnasium.
Of course, there is the option to train one-on-one with a personal trainer which is tailored specifically to the individual’s needs.
I have recently worked on various Crossfit, spin facilities and exclusive fitness class premises across Adelaide. It needs to be recognised that they can vary from large gym facilities to fitness centres and even personal service arrangements which vary significantly in their intensity and potential impact on the surrounding area. This is particularly relevant when considering the facilities and amount of on site car parking required.
Having worked with people creating a boutique, medium scale and large fitness centres I consider I am across the different planning requirements for gyms of all shapes and sizes.