A former gym which closed last year could be transformed into a builders' merchant if plans before a council are given the green-light. 

Change of use plans for the former Sports Direct Fitness building in Easlea Road, Bury St Edmunds, which closed in August 2023, have been submitted to West Suffolk Council. 

The application seeks a change of use of the property from a gym to a builders' merchant with external storage and a new 2.4m fence. 

A planning statement before the council says it would be run by a "national operator" and around 25 staff would be recruited locally. 

The site would be made up of three zones - a yard warehouse, a large items warehouse, a small product store, a showroom and an office. 

The statement said the site would open at 6.30am with staff arriving from 6am, and close no later than 7.30pm. 

Benefits outlined on behalf of the applicant include "significant investment by the developer and the operator", the creation of jobs and the re-use of an existing building.

The plan is before West Suffolk Council for consideration. 

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