The site of a former Iceland store which closed off Kirkstall Road last month could become a new gym and leisure facility, if a planning application is approved.
Landlords Asda have applied to the council to change the use of the building from retail to a flexible use of retail and/or leisure.
A supporting statement submitted by Asda does not name the potential occupant of the site but says it would create the first gym in that part of Kirkstall Road; It says:
“The proposed change of use is necessary to meet the requirements of a prospective new tenant and bring the floorspace back into an active and economically productive use.
“The proposal is positive in all regards. It will add to the mix and balance of uses within the Local Centre and attract residents into it, which will have positive benefits for wider retail, leisure and commercial services in the Local Centre through the opportunity for linked trips between uses.
“It will attract custom across a range of times, including through the evenings and on weekends. It follows that the use is one which truly contributes to the operation of a mixed and balanced local centre location. The proposal is positive economic development.
“The positive nature is further demonstrated by the proposal resulting in the immediate reoccupation of a vacant unit within the Local Centre. “
A statement by Iceland in September said that Asda had ‘declined to re-new the lease’. The centre is also occupied by Asda, Poundworld and Greggs.
The planning application can be viewed in full – and commented upon – here.
