New gym at the Saxon Centre in Kempston gets the go-ahead

The gym will provide fitness, health and leisure facilities, giving a new lease of life to a building which has been empty for 15 years.

Plans approved by Bedford Borough Council, also include cardio equipment and free weights, along with dedicated changing facilities for both men and women.

It’s hoped the new three-storey fitness centre, next to the Sainsbury’s Superstore, will be open by the end of 2026 or early 2027.

Go-ahead for for development has been welcomed by Kempston Town Council as an opportunity to improve Kempston town centre and the building being put to use.

Councillor James Valentine stated in a Facebook post: “The Saxon Centre office block has stood empty for 15 years, with very little prospect of being used again as offices. This new development offers a promising opportunity to bring fresh energy into Kempston town centre, support local businesses, and create a new space for people to get active.

“The gym will apparently offer a wide range of cardio and strength training facilities, alongside boxing classes - including women’s boxing sessions led by a female trainer.

“While the necessary conversion work will take some time, it is hoped the gym will open by the end of 2026 or early 2027.”

He added the development takes place in the context of wider developments across Kempston, and said: “We’ve already seen expanded activities for children and young people at Daisy Hill Family Hub and Kempston Outdoor Centre, alongside a major new private and affordable housing project on the former Robert Bruce playing field site by The Hill Group and bpha, which is currently in planning.

“Your Kempston Labour councillors are also continuing to push for an improved primary care centre, and the business case for a new facility at Halsey Road is currently being considered by the Integrated Care Board.”

The planning application, submitted in February, said the floorspace had remained vacant “despite long-term marketing” and that there has been a “reduction in demand for office space in tertiary office locations such as Kempston”.

There are no plans to alter the external alterations, with a separate application for signage submitted if required.