AN EMPTY shop unit in a Bournemouth shopping centre is set to become the town centre’s fourth gym.

Anytime Fitness is seeking permission to open a gym in the Richmond Gardens shopping centre, which will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

If it is granted planning approval, it will add to fitness centres at Avenue Road, the Avenue shopping centre and Westover Road.

The gym is set to open on the first floor.

The planning application sent to the council states: “Marketing for (this) premises commenced August, 2012 and the majority of the space has been vacant since Mark One closed down in 2009.

“There are not so many shops within the shopping scheme and therefore is not as busy as one would expect.

“We have tried marketing to a variety of operators who fall under its current use and have struggled in getting interest due to the size and location of the premises.

“In my view if the premises do not achieve a change of use we will continue to struggle to find a suitable operator for these premises, which if let would enhance the shopping centre and the area immensely.”

Anytime Fitness has 32 gyms operating within the UK, with the nearest being in Winchester. Members use their key fob or membership card to access the gym at any time of the day or night.

Town centre councillor Bob Chapman said: “I certainly think it’s an improvement to the space being empty.

“I’m pleased that the building will be brought back into use and it’s good to know that Bournemouth people are becoming so health conscious.”