We’re excited to share that planning approval has been secured for a new mixed-use fitness and office hub at Church Street, Richmond, introducing a wellness-focused business model into one of Melbourne’s most connected precincts.
The project revitalizes a three-storey commercial building by combining indoor recreation (gym) and commercial office uses, all achieved with no external building works and no change to the Church Street streetscape. This is adaptive reuse delivering new economic activity without major construction or disruption.
💥 Why This Project Stands Out
Mixed-use proposals involving indoor recreation often require detailed consideration of noise, transport access and amenity impacts. In this case, the appointment-based personal training model, low-impact operations and evidence-led planning demonstrated how wellness uses can operate successfully within dense activity centre environments.
💡 What We Delivered
🔹 Approval for Indoor Recreation Facility (Gymnasium) with Commercial Office Use
🔹 Strategic justification addressing noise, amenity, accessibility and transport
🔹 Evidence-backed operational framework
🔹 Guidance from pre-lodgement through to approval
🏢 What Has Been Approved
✨ Indoor recreation facility on Ground + First Floors, operated by Kilo PT
✨ Commercial office use on Second Floor
✨ Internal fit-out only, retaining existing façade and built form
✨ Continued use of onsite car parking
This positions the building for contemporary wellness and employment uses while preserving its commercial character and contribution to the Church Street activity strip.
⏱️ Operational Snapshot
Hours:
• Mon–Fri: 5am–9pm
• Weekends + Public Holidays: 6am–3pm
Use Model:
• Appointment-based training only
• Private + semi-private sessions
• No group classes exceeding 8 participants
• No amplified music, DJs, microphones or outdoor activity
• Occasional workshops/seminars up to 20 attendees outside peak times
A Positive Outcome for People, Place and Precinct
This approval shows how adaptive reuse can support new forms of employment, fitness, wellbeing and sustainable transport without altering built form. Good planning isn’t just compliance, it enables ideas, activates places and helps businesses thrive.
At Canter Town Planning, we help great project ideas get approved by navigating the planning system with clarity, strategy and momentum so our clients can move forward with confidence.
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