A former Dundee pub is on the verge of a significant transformation into a modern gym, featuring an array of luxurious amenities aimed at health enthusiasts. Plans have been submitted to Dundee City Council to convert the Dungeon Urban Bar on Princes Street into a state-of-the-art facility, which is expected to include an eight-person sauna, a hot tub, and unique whiskey barrel cold plunge tubs. Additionally, an outdoor shower area is part of the ambitious design, aiming to enhance the user experience.
The application, lodged under the name Mark Smith, reflects a growing trend in Dundee where former pubs are being repurposed to meet the evolving needs of the community. In recent months, similar projects have emerged, including the conversion of the former Airlie Arms pub into a convenience store, highlighting a shift in how urban spaces are utilised. The Stobswell pub, once popular with football fans for its proximity to Tannadice and Dens Park, closed last year, further reflecting the changing landscape of local businesses.
The trend of converting former pubs into fitness and retail spaces is not isolated to Dundee. Across Scotland, there is a notable movement towards repurposing such venues to cater to contemporary demands. For instance, Dundee City Council is currently considering another application, this time for the historic Michelin Athletic Club building, which aims to become a high-quality gym. This site, dating back to 1898 and classified as a Category C listed structure, has held significant communal value and will aim to serve both local residents and patrons of the nearby Michelin Scotland Innovation Parc.
Meanwhile, a more expansive gym development in Dundee has faced scrutiny yet received approval despite concerns from planning officials about its potential impact on local trade. This £5 million gym project, set to be built in the Stack Leisure Park area, is projected to create 96 new jobs, further underscoring the potential employment benefits associated with the fitness sector. It’s a clear indication that there is both a demand for fitness facilities and a readiness from investors to respond to this growing interest.
Another initiative worth noting is the plan to convert a home décor store into a low-cost gym, operated by JD Sports. This venture is expected to create at least 30 full-time jobs, including roles for personal trainers and managerial staff. Such projects are vital as they reflect both economic opportunity and a community-centric approach to public health and fitness.
As Dundee embraces these shifts, it is not alone in its venture into new fitness landscapes. Nearby, a former social club in Kirkcaldy is also set for a transformation into a gym, indicating a broader regional trend of utilising vacated spaces for health and well-being purposes.
Moreover, the rise of innovative fitness concepts, such as Scotland’s first 24/7 private exercise pod by TinyGyms, reflects a significant diversification in the fitness service offerings across the country. With ample backing from the Scottish EDGE awards, this initiative positions Dundee at the forefront of fitness innovation.
The transformation of the Dungeon Urban Bar is emblematic of wider changes within Dundee and other cities, signalling a dynamic response to community needs and lifestyle changes, all while breathing new life into former pub spaces that hold historical significance in the urban fabric.
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Source: Noah Wire Services