The owners of an independent gym which opened its doors last year are hoping to turn the business into a "fitness hub".

ABS Gym, owned by Stuart Brown and Jack Cookson, has submitted a planning application to North Norfolk District Council, which will see them open up a gym on the Clipbush Business Park, in Fakenham.

The pair currently run a fitness studio next door to the proposed site, where they offer PT sessions and classes. 

Fakenham & Wells Times: Stuart Brown, one of the co-owners of ABS Gym, in FakenhamStuart Brown, one of the co-owners of ABS Gym, in Fakenham (Image: ABS Gym)

In addition, they now plan to offer a gym with top-of-the-range equipment, including free weights and cardio machines. 

The firm has enlisted Bullen Architectural as its agent for the planning application, which is for a change of use.

ABS Gym celebrated a year in business in September, having initially opened at the West Raynham Business Park.

In December 2021, Mr Brown and Mr Cookson closed the Raynham site and opened a new studio at Clipbush Business Park.

Fakenham & Wells Times: ABS Gym Studio in FakenhamABS Gym Studio in Fakenham (Image: Stuart Brown)

“After speaking to PT clients, it made more sense to move to Fakenham,” said Mr Brown.

“West Raynham was a good start for us and helped us get our feet on the ground and get our name out there. But, in terms of winter, getting to us is a lot harder in West Raynham.

"Being more central is critical - to be open and available to more people who can travel to us more easily."

ABS Gym's application is to expand into unit 11 at the park which, according to documents supporting the scheme, is currently vacant. 

Fakenham & Wells Times: ABS Gym at Clipbush Business Park in Fakenham - The owners hope to take over unit 11 (left) to expand into a fitness hubABS Gym at Clipbush Business Park in Fakenham - The owners hope to take over unit 11 (left) to expand into a fitness hub (Image: Stuart Brown)

The proposal will create two new jobs and add six parking spaces to the site for members. 

Mr Brown and Mr Cookson hope those two job openings will just be the start, with a long-term vision of creating a "fitness hub" that caters for everyone. 

“What Jack and I want to do is to give people the best possible experience when it comes to fitness,” added Mr Brown.

Fakenham & Wells Times: Jack Cookson, co-owner of ABS Gym in FakenhamJack Cookson, co-owner of ABS Gym in Fakenham (Image: Stuart Brown)

"We believe it shouldn’t be in multiple areas; you can come to one place and everything you want to be will be available there."

The pair hope to recruit additional PTs for the gym, as well as full-time staff members.

Their plan is to open in March 2023.

To view or comment on the planning application, visit North Norfolk District Council's planning portal and look up reference PF/22/2735.