By Chris Story

Last updated 13:01, Wednesday, 12 November 2008

Final permissions are now in place for a multi-million pound fitness club that could lead to 50 new jobs being created in Carlisle.

The new JJB Sports site

Once complete, JJB Sports’ new centre will provide a welcome boost to the area’s jobs market.

Carlisle City Council has given final planning permission for the scheme – subject to legal agreement – meaning full construction can go ahead.

Building work is now well underway and progressing quickly on the large building, on the former Vasey’s Galerie International site on Currock Road.

A spokeswoman for JJB yesterday said no date has been set for its opening.

Once complete, the scheme is expected to create 50 jobs and will house a large gym, separate raised gym and free-weights area, 65ft-long swimming pool, steam room, spa baths and a solarium. It will also feature a sports shop upstairs and a restaurant/café in a separate building facing Currock Road.

JJB said the club will open from 7am to 11pm daily.

The chain already runs 39 centres in the UK and has another four due to open.

Councillors granted planning consent in principle for the project in January.

Demolition work to clear the way for the development began the following month.

Members of Carlisle’s development control committee heard that membership fees were likely to be lower than those at Bannatyne’s fitness club on Kingstown Road.

United Utilities originally objected to the proposals because two sewers cross the site but the issues were resolved following a meeting with engineers.

Councillors, when granting approval, demanded guarantees that the drainage system would prevent water standing in the car park.

The Currock Road site is owned by Yorkshire property developer CDP, which led the redevelopment of Botchergate in the 1990s when it introduced the Vue Cinema and Woodrow Wilson pub.