A large gym could be opened in High Wycombe’s Chilterns Shopping Centre after plans were submitted to transform three empty stores.

The old shopping centre, which is home to Primark and Wilko, has mainly been left empty in recent years, with more than half of the shops currently not being used.

However, gym company Fit4less – which runs more than 50 gyms around the UK – is hoping to build a large open-plan gym, knocking down the walls separating three vacant stores next to the main Frogmoor entrance.

If given the green light by Wycombe District Council’s planning team, the town centre gym would be open from 6am to 11pm on weekdays and 7am to 10pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

The large gym, which would include changing rooms, showers, an open-plan gymnasium and studio, reception area and staff office, would take up empty stores 17, 18 and 20-22, next to the Wycombe Environment Centre.

As part of the change of use application, Fit4less said: “The existing site was originally three retail units, which appear to have been vacant for a period of time.

“The sites have been completely stripped-out following the last uses and only the dividing walls between the units remain.”

They added: “Following the works, the proposal is to fit-out the unit to form a gymnasium and therefore the layout will be relatively open plan.

“General internal decorations will consist of new floor finishes, painted walls and an exposed decorated soffit, including suspended light fittings.

Chilterns Shopping Centre.

“There will be a suspended ceiling with recessed light fittings within the changing areas. There is a need for a new mechanical and ventilation system for all areas, which again will be suspended at high level.”

If approved, the gym could bring more people to a part of town which has become a lot quieter following the opening of the Eden Shopping Centre eight years ago.

A lot of stores, including Next, Dorothy Perkins and Early Learning Centre, have moved away from the shopping centre over the years, with only 13 of the 28 shops currently being used.

One of the biggest concerns likely to be raised by the possible development will be parking, with Fit4less pointing to free bays in Frogmoor and the Wycombe Swan and Eden Shopping Centre car parks as options for members.

Bosses also added that the busiest period for the gym, is likely to be between 5pm and 8pm when most other Chilterns Shopping Centre shops are closed for business.

They said: “It has been specifically selected to service the centre of High Wycombe and the large residential area surrounding the centre of High Wycombe.

“The nearest facility is Anytime Fitness. Fit4less is able to offer affordable gym facilities for all types of users.”

WDC is expected to rule on the plans by the end of September.

What do you think of the plans? Have your say by commenting below, email andrew.colley@london.newsquest.co.uk or tweet @Andrew_BFP