The Gym Group Plans 24-hour Operation on the High Street

Facility would be on floor above Boots and the former Robert Dyas

The entrance to the gym would be at the side of 45 Putney High Street. Picture: Facebook

July 23, 2026

A new 24-hour gym could soon open on Putney High Street with The Gym Group panning to open in the floor above Boots and the vacant unit that used to be occupied by Robert Dyas.

The company has submitted a Lawful Development Certificate application confirming that fitness use at the premises would be permitted without planning permission.

The application, lodged with Wandsworth Council by UrbanSpace Planning, seeks formal confirmation that the premises can lawfully operate as an indoor sport, recreation and fitness facility). The submission argues that because both the existing retail use and the proposed gym use fall within Class E, the change does not constitute development and therefore does not require planning permission.

According to the report, “the site has been in use as retail within Class E for a significant period of time,” with Robert Dyas and Boots occupying the premises “since at least 2008” . The Gym Group intends to take over the first-floor accommodation through the amalgamation of former retail space, while the ground-floor Boots and the other unit would remain in retail use. Access to the gym would be via the existing side entrance to the left of the former Robert Dyas frontage.

The planning statement emphasises that there are “no conditions that restrict use, amalgamation or operating hours” on the property, and that movement between uses within Class E is permitted under the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987 (as amended). It concludes that “the proposed use of this unit does not amount to development and therefore does not require planning permission” .

The Gym Group, founded in 2008, has grown into one of the UK’s largest low-cost fitness chains, operating more than 250 gyms nationwide. Known for its 24-hour model, flexible membership and affordability, the company has positioned itself as an accessible alternative to traditional contract-based gyms.

Its business model focuses on low-cost fitness facilities, with an emphasis on attracting first-time gym users. According to the planning report, “on average 35% of The Gym Group’s members have not been to a gym before,” reflecting its aim to broaden access to fitness across a wide demographic .

The company already operates several gyms across south and west London, and the proposed Putney branch would extend its footprint further into Wandsworth.

The former Robert Dyas unit on the ground floor has been vacant for some time, and the first-floor accommodation previously used by Boots is also no longer in retail operation. The Gym Group’s proposal would bring the upper floors back into active use while retaining retail at street level.

Because the application is for a Lawful Development Certificate rather than planning permission, Wandsworth Council’s role is limited to determining whether the proposed use is lawful under planning legislation. As the report notes, “planning merits are not relevant at any stage in this particular application process,” and the council is not required to consult neighbours or third parties.

If granted, the certificate would allow The Gym Group to proceed with fitting out the premises for 24-hour operation. No external alterations are proposed.