A prominent but empty industrial warehouse in the growing suburb of Fyansford is poised for a significant transformation. Plans have been submitted to convert the space into a modern boutique gym alongside a dedicated allied health therapy centre, breathing new life into the property.
From Industrial Storage to Community Wellness
The proposal, lodged with the City of Greater Geelong council, targets the warehouse located at 2/19-21 Moorabool Street. The applicant, a company named Moorabool Street Fyansford Pty Ltd, seeks a planning permit to change the use of the building. The vision is to create a dual-purpose facility that caters to both physical fitness and health recovery.
One section of the large warehouse will be dedicated to a boutique gym, offering a more personalised and focused fitness experience compared to larger chain establishments. The other half will be converted into offices for allied health professionals. This is expected to include services such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and chiropractic care, providing a convenient hub for rehabilitation and wellness.
Details of the Proposed Development
The application outlines specific operational details to address potential community and council concerns. The proposed operating hours for the new facility are set between 6am and 9pm, Monday to Friday, with slightly shorter hours from 7am to 5pm on Saturdays. The facility would be closed on Sundays and public holidays.
To manage the impact of increased activity, the plan includes the creation of 16 new car parking spaces on the site. This addition aims to ensure that the new business does not contribute to parking congestion in the local industrial area. The existing warehouse structure will be retained, with internal modifications to suit the new functions, representing a clever adaptive reuse of an existing building.
Awaiting Council's Decision
The planning application is now in the hands of the City of Greater Geelong's officials. The council will assess the proposal against local planning schemes, considering factors like traffic, parking, noise, and the appropriateness of the change of use in the industrial zone. No official decision date has been announced, but the submission has moved the project one step closer to reality.
This development aligns with the ongoing evolution of Fyansford, an area experiencing substantial growth with new residential estates. The introduction of a wellness-focused business like a boutique gym and therapy centre meets the demand for local amenities from both new residents and the wider Geelong community. It represents a shift from purely industrial uses to more diverse, community-serving enterprises in the suburb.
If approved, the project will not only activate a vacant property but also create local employment opportunities for fitness instructors and health practitioners. It underscores a broader trend of repurposing industrial spaces to serve modern lifestyle and health needs, adding to the vitality and services available in Greater Geelong.
