AN EMPTY shopping unit in Dumbarton is to open as a gym and could create more than 20 jobs.

Councillors approved a plan for the High Street as a possible catalyst for regeneration of the town centre.

West Dunbartonshire Council’s planning bosses visited the site of the proposed gym earlier this month before handing permission to national chain Energie Scotland.

The gym is to be sited in two units on the north side of High Street, attached to the Artizan Centre. One unit was designed for retail use 10 years ago, but has never been occupied, while the other unit was used by Clydebank College for almost 10 years.

The gym, which we revealed in last week’s Reporter, will have one unit containing a reception area, cafe, gym/fitness space, changing facilities, sauna, steam room, office space and studio space.

The new owners confirmed to councillors the gym will directly employ six to eight staff, with around five further freelance class instructors and up to eight self-employed personal trainers. Sports massage, physiotherapy and beauty therapy may also be offered.

The proposed hours are Monday to Friday 6am to 10pm and Saturday and Sunday 8am until 6pm.

Peter Hessett, the council’s regulatory strategic lead, said: “The proposed use is not considered likely to raise any issues with regard to noise, disruption or amenity.”