Fresh plans could deliver a new use for the former Royal Mail sorting office in Rathfriland.
For ABC Council is currently considering an application and is being asked to give its stamp of approval for a new commercial gym.
The site in question sits in a courtyard to the rear of 18 Downpatrick Street.
According to a supporting statement by Dromara-based Pepper Architects, it is an opportunity not to be sneezed at!
“The proposal makes productive use of an existing town centre building and requires no extension, new hardstanding or alteration to the established access arrangement,” it says.
With opening hours proposed between 6am and 9pm daily, it adds: “It is intended principally to serve local residents, including members attending before and after work.
“The proposal would bring a vacant or underused building back into active use, increase footfall and broaden the range of services available in Rathfriland town centre.”
The application is described as “compatible” with planning policy objectives of “sustaining and enhancing town centres”.
The supporting statement argues: “A commercial gym is an appropriate service and leisure use in an accessible town centre location. Reuse of the existing building avoids greenfield development, supports regeneration and makes efficient use of embedded materials and infrastructure.
“It would also add activity outside the core retail period, with most visits expected in the early morning and evening.
“The use is modest in scale and contained wholly within the existing building.”
The “existing form, scale and appearance” of the building and the established arched entryway from Downpatrick Street would be retained.
“Gym activity will be contained within the building,” it adds. “Equipment layout, floor finishes, music levels and day-to day management can be controlled to protect the amenity of neighbouring occupiers.”
Four ‘off-street’ parking spaces are included within the site – described as being in a “central and highly accessible location” – with ‘on-street’ parking also available along Downpatrick Street.
As well as supporting “town centre vitality”, the development would also boost “community wellbeing”.
