New plan for former gym site

THE planned redevelopment of the Total Fitness site in Ticknock has been welcomed.

Sinn Féin councillor for Sandyford Glencullen, Chris Curran, said the site could now have new a lease of life given Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council’s agreement to bring a step down medical facility to the site, as well as reopening a gym.

“This was a key issue during the local election campaign,” he said. “The gym’s reopening was in my election manifesto and people wanted it reopened. I’m chuffed that a key election issue may now be resolved.

“Importantly, although the new site will have some development, the motion will sensitively protect the vista because the main green spaces and main car park has been protected.

“The motion has created the environment for sensitive development on this site and will follow the appropriate planning guidelines.” 

Cllr Curran added: “Members of the public will have the opportunity to add their submissions during the planning stages.”

Cllr Neale Richmond (FG) also welcomed the decision by the council to rezone the existing, unused Total Fitness site in Sandyford to allow for it to be possibly reopened as a transitional care facility.

“After opening to much fanfare in 2003, the gym closed in 2011 following a decision by its UK parent company,” he said. “Since then, many efforts have been made to try to reopen the gym in various forms but unfortunately none have come to pass.

“The increasing provision of nearby fitness studios and the success of a number of large gyms in the area means that there isn’t the business for a standalone gym.

“The motion was passed unanimously by all councillors to facilitate the reopening of the gym as a top class transitional care facility.”

The proposal from the operators of Kiltipper Woods Care Centre is in response to the Department of Health’s key objective of realising health and wellbeing at all stages in life through rehabilitation, re-enablement and return to health and healthy living.

According to Cllr Richmond, the transitional care facility will essentially operate as a community based centre by bringing together medical and physiotherapy professionals to help individuals achieve the best possible health and overall quality of life.

“The integrated care model focuses on prevention and promoting lifestyle changes as an essential part of healthcare, catering not only for people recovering from illness or injury, but also for those striving to improve their overall wellbeing,” he added. “This is designed to reduce hospital admission and re-admission and the associated cost burdens.”