Plans to transform part of an industrial estate in Herne Hill into a temporary community gym and outreach centre are poised to receive approval next week. Block Workout Foundation, operating as Brixton Street Gym, has applied for temporary planning permission to use two units at the Mahatma Gandhi Industrial Estate on Milkwood Road. No structural alterations are proposed.
Current location and relocation reason
Brixton Street Gym currently operates on Somerleyton Road but needs to move temporarily while that site undergoes redevelopment. Once the Somerleyton Road project is complete, the gym will have a new permanent home there. Lambeth Council's Planning Applications Committee is recommended to grant permission at its July 28 meeting.
Site details and current use
According to a council report, the Milkwood Road site comprises a terrace of six industrial units. One of the proposed units has been vacant for two years, while the other is used for storage by a manufacturing business. The temporary permission would allow the gym to operate from these units until the Somerleyton Road development finishes.
Services offered
If approved, the community gym will provide open gym sessions, structured fitness classes, and personal training. These services will be available to Lambeth residents on a membership or pay-per-session basis. Additionally, the gym will run youth outreach and community engagement programmes, including structured activities for young people delivered by staff and volunteers.
Operating hours and end of temporary use
Proposed hours are 8am to 10pm Monday to Friday, and 8am to 4pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and Bank Holidays. At the end of the temporary period, the gym will cease operations from the industrial estate, and the units will revert to industrial or storage use.
Planning officers' recommendations
Planning officers acknowledged that the proposal does not comply with the Development Plan overall, as gym use is not typically permitted in this location. However, they concluded that material considerations favour granting temporary permission, stating: "no material considerations have been identified that outweigh the merits of the proposal." The recommendation is for approval.
