A GYM is hoping to be able to stay open for 24 hours as another rival operator is set to open its doors nearby.
Anytime Fitness Health Club, based on Basin Road in Diglis, wants to keep its doors open 24 hours a day for its members
The application to Worcester City Council seeks to vary a previous planning condition restricting opening hours to between 6am and 11pm.
The application follows an advertisement from Foundry Gym which is planning to open up as a 24-hour venue near Diglis Playing Fields – less than 10 minutes from Anytime Fitness.
Foundry announced it planned to open in July 2026 before later submitting its own application to Worcester City Council to transform the former site of Jewson’s Builders Merchants into a 24-hour gym.
Anytime Fitness manager Alastair Borwell expressed concern when Foundry advertised it would open in July, having not applied for permission at the time.
The decision on Foundry’s application is still pending.
CONCERNED: Anytime Fitness manager Alastair Borwell (Image: Newsquest)
READ MORE: Gym applies for planning permission after promising July opening date
The council’s pre-application advice supported the principle of 24-hour operation at Anytime Fitness, noting that it relied on there being suitable noise mitigation and an absence of complaints.
A supporting noise management plan explained how the club manages noise, including the use of background music at appropriate volumes, restrictions on the timing of deliveries and cleaning, and the fitting of rubber feet to terrace chairs.
Group fitness classes with louder music will not take place outside the hours of 9am to 9pm.
Richard Noble, operations manager at Anytime Fitness, said: “We understand that some residents may have concerns regarding the proposed opening hours of the health club.
“However, after nearly 18 years of successful operation, it is important to recognise and document the positive contribution the gym in Diglis has made to the local community, all without causing any notable community disruption.
“The facility has consistently provided a valuable community service, helping individuals maintain their physical health and wellbeing, which in turn contributes positively towards reducing pressure on the NHS.
EXTEND: Anytime Fitness has applied to extend its opening hours to 24 hours a day (Image: Newsquest)
“In addition, the gym has become an important social hub for many members, promoting stronger mental wellbeing, social interaction, and community engagement. This is further supported through direct NHS referral partnerships, highlighting the wider health benefits the facility provides.
“In today’s society, lifestyles and working patterns are increasingly varied, and the fitness industry has naturally evolved to accommodate these changing demands. As a result, many modern health clubs now offer extended or 24-hour access to ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all members, regardless of their working hours or personal commitments.
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“We remain fully committed to operating the facility responsibly and will continue to take every reasonable measure to minimise, if not eliminate entirely, any potential noise disturbance.
“As always, the club will operate with consideration and respect for neighbouring residents.
“Based on the previous extended-hours arrangements, together with the positive outcome from the pre-application process, I remain hopeful that approval for 24-hour member access will be secured.
“This would also ensure continued alignment and compliance with the global brand standards of Anytime Fitness, which operates on a 24-hour accessibility model.”
