Concerns are being raised by nearby residents over plans to transform Mullumbimby’s former bowling club into a 24-hour gym, with issues ranging from noise and traffic to a lack of community consultation.
As previously reported, the historic Mullumbimby Ex-Services Bowling Club at 7 Jubilee Avenue is set to be redeveloped into a round-the-clock fitness centre operated by Town Fitness Pty Ltd, marking a significant shift in how the site will be used.
While the proposal retains one bowling green, the development would see the main clubhouse converted into a modern gym, including a large workout space, group fitness studio and recovery facilities. The gym would operate 24 hours a day, with staffed hours and group classes running from 6am to 7.30pm.
However, some residents living near the site say the move to a 24-hour operation could have unintended impacts on the surrounding neighbourhood.
Noelle Maxwell, who lives nearby, expressed concerns about how the facility might be used late at night.
Noise and traffic concerns raised
‘If you want to have a 24-hour gym you need staff it 24 hours,’ she said.
Ms Maxwell said she was worried the site could become a late-night gathering point for young people, particularly outside of staffed hours.
She also raised concerns about potential noise from early morning and late-night group activities.
Ms Maxwell pointed to the possibility of gym classes with loud music, as well as outdoor ‘boot-camp’ style sessions, taking place at times that could disturb nearby residents.
Traffic was another key concern, particularly given the site’s proximity to Mullumbimby High School.
Ms Maxwell said increased vehicle movements could create safety risks during already busy periods.
She noted that peak gym usage times may coincide with the morning school drop-off, increasing congestion in the area.
This was exacerbated by the fact that the current proposal did not appear to include bike parking facilities.
In addition to operational concerns, Ms Maxwell expressed frustration about what she described as a lack of communication from the developer.
‘No one ever got back to me to answer any of my questions,’ she said.
A lot of questions
‘There’s a lot of questions and if someone had come and answered them I might feel differently.’
While acknowledging that the development may go ahead, Ms Maxwell said she would prefer a more limited operating model.
‘Personally, my preference would be that it wasn’t 24 hours. But ultimately it comes down to the fact that they need to take greater account of the amenity of local residents and traffic safety issues.’ Planning documents submitted to Byron Shire Council state that measures such as security cameras, monitored alarms and designated parking areas are required to reduce impacts on nearby homes.
The proposal is currently under consideration, with community feedback expected to form part of the assessment process.
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