Plans to convert former school into gym approved

A Victorian building in Bradford which used to be a boys' school is to be turned into a community gym after plans were approved.

The Grade II listed building, which used to be St Mary's Catholic Boys' School on East Parade in Little Germany, has been empty for more than 10 years.

Pinnacle Performance Fitness Studio, which is currently based on Nelson Street in Bradford, submitted a planning application to convert the school into a gym and community centre.

Planning officers said the building "shows signs of deterioration" and that the new use would help safeguard its future.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the application said: "The proposals are to convert the former St Mary's Catholic Boys' School into a multi-use gymnasium/fitness centre, education and community meeting space.

"The proposed applicant is a Community Interest Company, providing services to the general public and local authority support to specialist groups, encouraging movement and health improvements to all.

"The building will provide two large dedicated studio spaces, which are then able to be used for multiple purposes."

Alterations to the listed building would be minor, the application said.

The move is expected to bring seven jobs to the building.

The building dates back to the 1870s, and was designed by architect Edward Simpson. It is next to the former St Mary's Church, which was recently used as an events venue called Regency Hall.

That venue was recently available to let, but according to estate agent Sharma Williamson, terms were recently agreed for the property.

St Mary's was built as the Roman Catholic Mother Church of Bradford, with much of the construction carried out by the parishioners themselves.

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