A Wilmslow gym could be forced to close as a discount supermarket is in the process of purchasing the site.
Lidl have entered into a transaction with the current owner (Emerson) which commits them to purchasing the building and land opposite their existing Summerfield supermarket by October, which is currently leased by energie Fitness.
Lidl have informed energie their intention is then to apply for planning permission to knock down the building and develop a larger store, so if the planning application is successful energie will need to vacate the site.
Adrian Lee, manager of energie Fitness Wilmslow said "Recently we have been advised that the supermarket giant, Lidl, has approached our landlord with a view to purchasing the land. When the sale completes, Lidl will exercise a 'break clause' in our lease. Whilst this may eventually mean that we see a redevelopment on the site, there are several factors that will affect when or if this redevelopment goes ahead.
"Naturally any intentions to change the usage of the area will need to go through a planning permission process with the council – this process can take between 3-6 months, or potentially longer if objections are raised. If planning permission is granted, the club will be removed and the area will be redeveloped, possibly by the end of this year.
"If, however, objections are raised and further investigation is required, the redevelopment could be delayed into 2018. Finally, there is a chance that this change of use application may be rejected outright and therefore, our énergie club will 'sail on'!"
Adrian added "With all this in mind, our key message is that, for the foreseeable future, life in our énergie Fitness Club will continue as normal."
energie Group, which operates 103 sites across the country through franchises, has been in Wilmslow for over 20 years and Adrian Lee has had the franchise at Summerfields for more than a decade.
Jan Spaticchia, energie's Chairman and CEO said "This is a sad process for our franchisees, their staff, business partners within the club and all the members to deal with. We are doing all we can to support them at this time."
In the meantime local residents are getting together to fight Lidl's plans to relocate their existing store to the larger site.
Village Mews resident Martin Kitchin said "This is worrying news for residents. Although a bigger store will be attractive for some shoppers, if the scheme goes to planning and is approved, the new store could be even closer to all our homes on Tiverton Drive, Colshaw Drive and Chamberlain Drive."
Concerned about the noise from delivery vehicles, light pollution, waste on the site, loss of privacy, loss of greenery, increased footfall from more customers and loss of a popular leisure facility neighbours are being urged to make contact with energie and Lidl in the hope of getting them to change their minds.
Martin added "The energie site might be commercial now but they're quiet as mice. A huge Lidl with a much bigger footfall, deliveries, more cars, waste shouldn't be embedded on three sides amongst homes. A completely different commercial.
"At least now it's in a row of shops and was there well before the first apartment was ever sold by Jones Homes in 2000. Big difference to what's afoot now.
"Surely affordable homes for key workers and locals with financial assistance would be far better?"
A spokesperson for Lidl told wilmslow.co.uk "Wilmslow is an important town for Lidl and is a very popular store in the local community. We'll be sure to update you directly, should there be any changes to our retail offering in the area."
