Plans for £1.7m gym in Selsey finally approved - 'I am delighted but incredibly numb at the process'

It was the second time that Kevin Byrne, founder of Checkatrade, sought permission for a change of use at the building in Ellis Square, off Manor Road.

Kevin, from Fontwell, said he was 'delighted to at last have the right result' but was left 'incredibly numb' by the two-year process. He admitted that, at one point, he had 'given up and just wanted to walk away'.

He added: "I would like to thank Selsey councillor Tim Johnson and the Selsey Alliance for their help and support.

"The individuals involved I’m sure are just doing their job but the process and boxes that need to be ticked make the process extremely long and frustrating.

"If I hadn’t had the financial means I would have been bankrupt now with £1.7m tied up in this empty building for two years.

"Anyone with any reasonable business sense would have known there was no way this building was going to be rented for business use. Yet I was made to advertise it as such.

"In my view the process is not fit for purpose. It needs a complete overhaul."

After Kevin sold Checkatrade in 2017, the new owners decided not to take on the part-completed office space in Sherringdon Mews. Mr Byrne then drew up plans for it to be converted into a two-level gym, with four treatment rooms for beauty services and sports massages, and a health café.

Kevin said, now that they have been given the go-ahead, the team have 'heaps to do' ahead of the planned opening in July, depending on when the government lockdown is lifted.

He said, once the gym is opened, around 12 jobs will be created.

"Looking forward we are now very excited," he said. "We’re calling it ‘FLOW Selsey’ (For Love Of Wellness).

"We’re incorporating into our wellness centre a health café called Pips Café, four beauty treatments called Eden Beauty Haven and a gymnasium called Roots Gym."

Kevin said there will be 'four different aspects' to the gym.

"Firstly Shape Master which is a series of machines for the over 50s and those in rehabilitation," he explained. "Secondly, a cardio and weight section.

"Thirdly, a suite specially for semi private personal training and fourthly a suite for classes like spinning, yoga and the like."

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