Listed former boys' school could become gym

A Grade II-listed former boys' school could be turned into a community gym under new plans submitted to Bradford Council.

St Mary's Catholic Boys' School on East Parade in Little Germany has been vacant since the mid-2010s, but was built in 1883.

Now Pinnacle Performance Fitness Studio has submitted plans to relocate from Hall Ings to the Victorian building.

According to the planning application: "The proposals will bring employment to the area and bring a degree of community use back to the building, which was once a fundamental part of the local community."

In recent years the empty building has suffered from pigeon infestations and damp, and while the majority of the existing timber windows are intact the building is in need of "major renovation and repair".

It was used as a parish nursery after the school's closure.

The application added: "The proposals will bring a very prominent building on one of Bradford's busiest roads back into use.

"By granting planning permission this will safeguard the property for future generations to enjoy."

According to its website, Pinnacle Performance Fitness Studio runs a commercial gym and not-for-profit Community Interest Company that supports people experiencing health inequalities or barriers to exercise.

Under the plans the building would become two large studios, which could be used for multiple purposes, they said.

The property previously had planning consent to be converted into a dwelling, but the works were not finished, and it still retains the features of a Victorian school hall.

The applicants said no internal features would be lost during the renovation works and the plans would ensure the "long-term retention of the building".

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