Henley private members’ club bids to expand spa and fitness centre

A PRIVATE members’ club in Henley has submitted plans to expand its spa fitness centre.

Phyllis Court Club in Marlow Road said it needs the extra space to meet growing demand.

The extension, which has been designed by agents, Baca Architects, will comprise a single storey ground floor gym extension of 200 sq m located at the rear of the existing fitness centre.

The ground floor will also include 100 sq m of outside space, which will include a semi-covered pergola that is designed to “provide an all-weather warm-up area” that connects to the gym space.

It may also be used for additional classes.

On the first floor, the club want to add a “yoga pod” which will be a multi-functional 80 sq m space which will be built on top of the ground floor extension.

The oval shaped pod will have a central oculus roof light and perimeter windows.

In its design and access statement, Baca said that the extension was needed due to an increase in demand of the fitness space. It said: “The fitness centre has successfully achieved its original objective of increasing membership.

“However, its growing popularity and the desire to offer a broader range of senior exercise classes mean that an increase in capacity would now be beneficial.”

Baca said that the proposed materials for the project had been chosen to be “high-qaulity, robust”, with durable finishes to ensure longevity and “reduce long term-maintenance”.

Both the ground floor extension and the pod will be finished in a white proprietary render to match the existing building and the pergolas will be constructed from a glulam timber.

The fitness centre was first opened at the club in 2018 and inside it comprises a 20m swimming pool, sanarium, gym, exercise studio and treatment room. After first engaging with a team of consultants in 2012 the club went through a lengthy planning process.

The club was granted planning permission for a larger £4 million fitness centre in September 2014 but then abandoned to the idea, saying it was not viable.

The plans had previously drawn objections from 57 homes in Phyllis Court Drive who claimed the development would erode the quiet character of the cul-de-sac due to the increased traffic and noise and would give the area a more urban appearance.

After the club revived the idea in 2015 it proposed to build another version on a smaller scale.

Approval for the project was finally granted in July 2017, construction started in January 2018 and the building was opened in the September.

Founded in 1906, the club occupies a site whose rear overlooks the River Thames. Club secretary and chief executive Chris Hogan told the Henley Standard that while the club could not give details of the exact numbers of the fitness centre users, the building was reaching its limit.

He said: “Suffice to say that we are reaching capacity in its current form and more and more of our members are wishing to make use of this excellent facility”.

The latest plans, which has been submitted to South Oxfordshire District Council, were recommended for approval by Henley Town Council’s planning committee on Tuesday last week.

A spokesman for Phyllis Court said: “Phyllis Court is very pleased to understand that Henley Town Council has recommended our planning application to extend the Fitness Centre should be approved.” The district council, the planning authority, will aim to make the final decision on the application by Monday, February 16.

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