PLANS have been submitted to convert a Poole warehouse into a CrossFit gym.

Permission is being sought to set-up the gym at Sovereign Business Park following a three-year search for a suitable space.

Applicant Mr Rouse said the industry was facing “exponential growth” and there was increasing demand in Bournemouth and Poole.

A planning statement submitted with the application says that the gym will employ between eight and 12 people once it is up-and-running.

“Bayside Business Centre is looking to retain its attractiveness as a company incubator for the Poole area,” it says.

“Local healthy options for staff and occupants in the immediate area are weak and there is strong internal demand from the 40 or so occupiers for managed recreation/leisure.

“CrossFit, as a whole, is experiencing exponential growth and is out-expanding the rest of the growing fitness industry.

“Small group training is on the increase as people turn away from larger gyms. This is evidenced by Coastside CrossFit [in Bournemouth] where there is a waiting list to become a member.”

It adds that six other sites across Bournemouth and Poole have been considered for the gym over the last three years but have been ruled-out for various reasons including the need for high ceilings, concrete floors and large spaces.

One of the buildings which had been considered was the former Jobcentre in Winton High Street, however the application says the gym was used as a “stalking horse” against a larger corporate company.

The planning application proposes that the gym opens from 6am until 9pm on weekdays and between 7.30am and 12pm on weekends and bank holidays.

On top of the normal gym use with about 60 classes per week, the planning statement says the building would be used to host specialist children’s gymnastics and Brazilian jiu-jitsu sessions.

The application will be considered by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council in the coming weeks.