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June 2010
The UK’s No 1 fitness industry magazine
Gym owner weighs in to help former member
Owner takes action as rates double By Mary Ferguson A CHORLEY gym owner is having to take drastic action after learning his rates are being doubled. Shaun Ginger, who runs Astley Fitness Centre was furious to discover his business rates would double to more than £23,000. He has now applied to the town’s council to change the use of the first and second floor gymnasium and female changing rooms into four onebedroom flats. Shaun, a builder by trade, puts the cost of the development at approximately £200,000, which also includes extending the back of the premises and creating a further four flats, which he already has planning permission for. He said: “The valuer came out last November and it was all very cloak and dagger because he said he just wanted a chat. When they told me how much it was going to rise I immediately got in touch with them to find out why, but everyone I have spoken to has just passed the buck and told me it is Government guidelines. “I could understand the rates going up in line with inflation, but not more
than double. The council doesn’t seem to appreciate what we are doing and only sees floor space equalling pound signs.” “I have put in an appeal against the decision, but have had to act so have also put in a planning application for four more flats on the first and second floor.” Shaun has run the gym since 1998 after transforming the building, which had stood derelict for 12 years. He has received an award from the council for restoring the landmark site. Shaun added: “In some ways the council might have done me a favour, but it means I might lose a few members along the way because unfortunately the aerobics studio is one of the things that will have to go. “But the new steam room might make some people stay, and hopefully the plans I have for the new, extended gym space will attract a few new people as well. “I have only ever broken even since opening the gym and it is getting harder and harder. With the inclusion of the new flats I might actually be able to make a few pounds out of the business in the long run.”
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Figure competitor Maxine Cook – pictured – is one of a string of champions trained by industry stalwart Kimberley-Anne Jones. Kimberley, who works at Skyline gym in South London, opened up to Workout about her own career and the challenges facing female bodybuilders. Full interview, Page 7
A NORTH Wales gym is holding a series of events to raise money for a former member who has been diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. The Slaughterhouse Gym in Mold aims to raise £2,000 for Russel Jones, who was member of the gym for more than 15 years, and was diagnosed with MND 18 months ago. This summer owner Chris Watson is planning a sponsored event at the gym and is taking a stand at the local carnival, holding aerobic classes to raise more money for Russel and his family. And during August all joining fees will be donated directly to the Motor Neurone Disease charity. Chris said: “Russel is an all-round nice bloke who was a popular member. He has tragically got this dreadful disease, which ultimately will take him, so we decided it would be nice to do all we could to help him and his family.” Last August Chris rowed 26 miles to raise money to help towards making adjustments to Russel’s home, while three other members split a marathon on a treadmill.