Gym in Charlbury

Mon 19 Jan, 16:11

After a very constructive meeting of the Thomas Gifford trustees this past week, we would like to update the community on our gym project.

As mentioned, we have had planning permission for some time. In that time, we have been busy meeting the various planning conditions, gaining building control approval and obtaining prices and proposals from contractors and gym equipment providers. We have also been applying for funds to support the project.

At the meeting we agreed to ensure we preserve planning permission (potentially by doing minor groundwork) and to continue to explore all fundraising opportunities, recognising that the current environment for fundraising is challenging. We also resolved to think creatively about what facilities are most needed by Charlbury and surrounding areas to improve our health and wellbeing and to let that help guide us. We hope to invite everyone’s input at a public meeting at an appropriate time. Our aim is still, and is always, to provide as many in the community with what will be most welcomed. Please watch out for further updates if you’re interested!

Thu 8 Jan, 13:42

Planning permissions generally have as a condition that work on site must start withing 3 years of permission given.

Thu 8 Jan, 10:17

Thank you all for your interest, support and patience regarding our efforts at the community centre to get a gym built. The planning permission is still in place, and in fact there has been a huge amount of work going on over the last 18 months to explore all options in terms of design, construction and operational approach, as well as cost. We have been extensively investigating various fundraising and maintenance options and we have a trustee meeting next week where this will be the key item on the agenda. We will post here when there is any further progress or decisions made. Again, thanks for your comments - it is always our aim to improve and develop the centre to provide what the community wants if we can.

Wed 7 Jan, 11:00

The planning application has been approved. The last time I asked, I believe they were fundraising to cover the costs. 

Wed 7 Jan, 10:10

Okay, I'll take it that there has been no progress on the matter in the past 18 months.

Tue 6 Jan, 21:29

And parking Casper!!

Tue 6 Jan, 10:39

We have quite a good gym at the fire station. If you join you can use it anytime you like for free, and get paid to help the community 

pop down the station on a Wednesday night to have a chat 

Mon 5 Jan, 06:25

Yes, I would also love to hear what is happening to the gym at the community centre. It would be great to have a gym in Charlbury. I can’t really use the current one at the community centre as the opening hours are generally when I’m working and it has limited equipment anyway. 

Sun 4 Jan, 21:54

I was wondering if anyone had an update on the status of a potential proper gym in Charlbury, referred to in these posts from mid-2024?

Sat 3 Aug 2024, 08:35

Brilliant idea! 

Fri 2 Aug 2024, 15:30

That is fantastic Catherine! Thank you for letting me know. I will be more than happy to help in any way that I can so I will keep posted for any opportunities to do so. Thank you! 

Thu 1 Aug 2024, 17:25

Hi Joshua, we at the Community Centre couldn't agree more! What's happening is that we are doing our best to deliver a great facility that is both affordable and sustainable, and trying to ensure we involve local people in its design and building. We have planning permission and are currently in the process of obtaining building regulations approval and prices from builders. We will then need to raise the funds needed to build. It will be a big challenge so watch this space if you want to help make it happen! Given that this fantastic community got the centre built in the first place, we are confident that the gym dream will come true.

Wed 31 Jul 2024, 18:31 (last edited on Wed 31 Jul 2024, 18:45)

I just wanted to post here to see if anyone else is feeling that Charlbury really needs a substantial gym? I’m not sure what happened over the planning at the community centre for the expansion...