PLANS to open a 24-hour gym at a retail park on Glasgow’s South Side have been approved by city planners.

The application involves sub-dividing the existing Homebase store at Auldhouse Retail Park, Pollokshaws.

The newly-created unit will be occupied by a 1,782-square-metre JD Gyms fitness facility over two levels, employing around 20 staff.

A report by council officials states: “Whilst the proposal will see the reduction in the size of the Homebase unit, which is a bulky goods retailer, the key aspect of this proposal is to secure Homebase’s future at the retail park and in turn the retention of this bulky goods use.”

A statement submitted by consultants Zander Planning explained: “In order to protect the [Homebase] store at Auldhouse Retail Park, an agreement was made with the owners to downsize the unit to 25,500sq.ft (2,368sq.m). This agreement has allowed a new deal to be structured with the owners and allow the store to continue trading.”