AN empty unit in the city centre could be transformed into a 24-hour gym if plans get the go-ahead.

Gym operator Snap Fitness hopes to open up in the former Lakeland building in Market Walk, by the library.

The plans, submitted by Workout 24/7, involve a change of use of units 4A and 4B from retail to unrestricted gym use.

If approved, the gym would be open 24-hours, seven days a week.

The Snap Fitness franchise has gyms in more than 2,000 locations in 15 countries.

The gym is open only to its members and the gyms remain locked at all times, including during staffed hours from 9am to 6pm. Members gain access via an electronic security tag system connected to the membership database.

Plans show the proposed gym will be largely open plan and comprise a work out area, including a cardio area, free weights section and weight machines.

Internal alterations are proposed including partitions to create an office, shower and changing facilities, and a studio at the first floor level.

There are also plans to take out one of the two internal stair sets.

The company states that all lighting is sensor operated and automatically turns off when no members are active within the club, and no classes will operate after 10pm.

It anticipates it will attract around 1,350 members, saying 40 per cent will regularly use the facilities.

The planning report material submitted on behalf of the applicant states: "The nature of the 24-hour gym allows members to use the facility beyond traditional peak times, allowing for a more even spread of use, with lower on-site numbers at any one time.

"Research into their operations has indicated that less than 1 per cent of Snap Fitness members use the gyms between 11pm and 5am."

People are invited to send in their comments on the application - 17/00156/FUL - by February 16.