A disused showroom in Meadow Lane is to become a new gym which could see powerlifting competitions come to Nottingham.
A local authority has approved plans for London House, which has been unoccupied for three years, to be converted into a City Strength gym.
The gym, which is owned by James Gray from Ruddington, will create nine new jobs.
Mr Gray says the gym will allow the hosting of regional powerlifting competitions and promote the sport in Notts.
The popularity of strength training and strength sports has grown in recent years and British Powerlifting (GBPF) has seen an increase in membership number by 50 per cent since 2014.
In a planning application, Mr Gray said: “It is out intention to promote strength training as means of athletic development and health promotion, whilst creating a supportive, community-driven environment in which members can pursue their fitness goals and athletic endeavours.
“Most importantly, we want to make this accessible to anybody who has the desire to pursue such goals, and even serve as an introduction to functional strength training for those who otherwise would not experience both its physical and psychological benefits.
“Within this facility our members will have access to the latest high quality equipment, built to competition specifications.
“This would allow the hosting of regional powerlifting competitions under the GBPF, and promote the sport of powerlifting in the local area.”