Ab Salute: New gym ready to muscle in on Bishop's Stortford fitness market by opening its sixth branch

A gym chain wants to open a branch in Bishop's Stortford – its sixth in all and its first outside Essex – by converting an industrial warehouse.

Ab Salute Gym opened its first outlet in Romford in 2010 and now operates in Brentwood, Thurrock, Chelmsford and Braintree too.

The business has asked planning authority East Herts Council for permission to change the use of 15-16 Raynham Road on the industrial estate.

In a submission to the council supporting the bid, Ab Salute said: "Membership is for all age groups, beginners or advanced, although it is primarily aimed towards men and women in the mid-teens to 30s age group."

The ground floor would be used for strength/weight training with a cardiovascular workout area on the first floor along with sunbeds and an office. There would also be a reception area, storage area, and changing and shower rooms.

The gym would operate seven days a week: 6am to 10.30pm on weekdays and 8am to 7pm at weekends.

Ab Salute hopes to create 26 new jobs: 16 full- and 10 part-time roles including managers, trainers, instructors, receptionists and cleaners.

Despite the 10,450 sq ft (971 sq m) premises having been refurbished, a 20-month marketing campaign has failed to secure a business to use them for industrial, storage or warehousing purposes. The marketed rental was £94,050 a year.

Ab Salute said: "The provision of this gym would not be the first on the industrial estate as there is a ladies' only group training gym on the estate. This offers a completely different exercise programme for women only. Ab Salute Gym provides high-quality sport training and fitness for all the community."

It promises access for the disabled, including designated parking, and said: "The proposal is economically, socially and environmentally sustainable."