Major Plans Submitted to Transform Sutton Coldfield Charity Superstore into 24/7 Gym
Significant redevelopment plans have been unveiled that could see a prominent charity superstore in Sutton Coldfield transformed into a 24-hour gym operated by The Gym Group. Applications have been formally submitted to Birmingham City Council seeking permission to convert the two-storey Barnardo's outlet at Unit 1A on Princess Alice Drive within the Princess Alice Retail Park.
Proposed Transformation Details
The applications, submitted by Phoenix Life Limited, seek a lawful development certificate to change the building's use from retail to gymnasium. Additionally, a separate application requests variation of the current permitted opening hours to allow for 24/7 operation. Currently, the retail units at Princess Alice Retail Park have permission to operate from 7am to 11pm Monday through Saturday, with Sunday hours from 10am to 5pm.
The Barnardo's store currently operates from 10am to 6pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sundays. The neighboring Easy Bathrooms & Tiles showroom maintains different operating hours from 8am to 5:30pm Monday through Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.
24/7 Operation Rationale
In a supporting letter from NTR Planning's Mark Tombs, the application argues that 24-hour operation would make the gym "accessible to all" by accommodating customers who prefer to exercise before or after work. The letter notes that The Gym Group already operates several successful 24/7 facilities across Birmingham, including locations in Sutton Coldfield, Perry Barr, and Kingsbury Road in Erdington.
"These all operate very successfully and without undue impact," states Mr. Tombs in the planning documentation. The application further contends that late-night and early-morning usage would likely be limited compared to peak daytime hours.
Impact Assessment and Neighbor Considerations
The planning application addresses potential concerns about noise and disruption, noting that the nearest residential properties face the rear service yard of the retail terrace. According to the submission, gym operations would make minimal use of this service area, which is typically reserved for retail deliveries.
The Gym Group anticipates "very infrequent servicing/deliveries" that would primarily occur at the store entrance during standard business hours. These would be limited to 8am to 7pm Monday through Saturday or 10am to 5pm on Sundays. The application also highlights "significant planting between the building and the residential properties," with homes set back from the retail park boundary by relatively long back gardens.
Current Status and Community Response
Both The Gym Group and Barnardo's have been contacted regarding the proposed transformation. The Gym Group declined to comment at this stage, while Barnardo's staff members indicated they were unaware of the application that would see the charity shop depart from the location. The charity has not yet provided an official response to requests for comment.
If approved, this would become The Gym Group's second location in Sutton Coldfield, joining their existing basement facility in The Parade. The new site would be situated around the corner from Bannatyne's Health Club and Spa, though that facility does not offer 24-hour access.
Planning Process and Public Consultation
The application to vary opening hours (reference 2025/07129/PA) remains open for public comments until March 19 on Birmingham City Council's planning portal. Meanwhile, the application for a lawful development certificate (reference 2025/07127/PA) allows for public input until February 12.
The planning documentation notes that the building falls within Class E use classification, which covers both the existing retail use and the proposed gymnasium function. The application seeks to remove current conditions that restrict operating hours "to safeguard the amenities of occupiers in the vicinity."
