Plans to extend and convert the former Sports Direct and USC store building in Ramsgate’s Queen Street into 31 flats and four commercial units including a basement gym, have been approved.
The JDP (South) Limited development will create 17 x 1 bedroom and 14 x 2 bedroom apartments on the ground and upper floors with access via a residential entrance in Queen Street.
The proposal includes four self-contained commercial units on the ground floor, two units will be shops, there will be a Business Hub and another unit will be a gym. On the ground floor there will be a reception and lifestyle café associated with the gym.
Documents submitted to Thanet council say the developer has approached the Blitz Training Academy to operate the commercial gym. Blitz secured a contract with Thanet District Council for the provision of Health and fitness facilities for minority groups in the community when the group had plans to set up in Westwood.
The business hub will have adhoc business desk space, meeting and conference areas will also be available for occasional hire.
Planning documents from JDP (South) Limited state: “The intention is to provide a dedicated business space for members of the public or visiting business people. The Business Hub will be provided with its own reception and welfare facilities and therefore be considered self contained. The hours of operation for the business hub will likely be limited to 8am – 8pm.”
The apartments will include planted areas on roof terraces and the Atrium. There will be play space at ground floor level which will be secure and under the direct supervision of a concierge service.
There are no parking areas planned for the development.
Sports Direct and USC have moved to The Link retail park next to Westwood Cross.
