The gym will take over the old Edginton’s building in Green Lane. The council originally refused permission because of the potential for disturbance to neighbours, particularly from parking. However, the Inspector was satisfied that a management scheme could be introduced to reduce the impact.
A gym will certainly be welcomed by many people. It’s an additional feature for the Penge High Street area and will attract more people to our Town Centre. It’s also been suggested that it reflects a changing demographic in Penge with more people choosing to make their home in Penge. This coincides with the introduction of improved travel possibilities from the Overground service through Penge West.
The shop has been empty for around 3 years. The other part of the former furniture store is now Lidl’s supermarket. The floors above the gym space already have permission to be converted to flats, though at the moment a church is operating from the site.
We had originally hoped that the council would take over this building for the promised new Penge Library but the council never made an acceptable bid and the prospect of a new Library is as far away as ever. At present we have no information on how long it will take to convert the premises to a gym.
Penge and Cator Councillors 