AN empty Southend High Street shop could be turned into a brand new gym, plus a yoga and fitness centre creating up to 18 full-time jobs.

Plans have been submitted to Southend Council to build a new gym in the space where Topshop once stood.

The clothing store closed down in June last year and has remained empty ever since.

The new plans, which will be decided by a planning committee at a later date, would see two floors of fitness equipment installed, including treadmills, cross trainers, a selection of free weights and a yoga studio on the second floor.

Ian Gilbert, leader of Southend Council, welcomed the news and said it would be a welcome boost for the High Street.

He said: “I think it’s good news.

“Although some people may be sorry to see the level of retail space loss, it’s a direction in which the high streets around the country will need to be thinking about.

“The fitness and leisure industry is something that will be an increasingly big part of that.

“I’m certainly pleased to see a building being put back into use.

“I think people wanting to use the gym want it to be in an accessible and convenient place from where they work.

“They’ll be able to pop in during their breaks and on the way in or when they’re clocking off for the day.

“There are other gyms around the High Street so clearly they have seen there is a demand for more.”

however, there are already three gyms near the high street; The Locker Room, Anytime Fitness and Energie Fitness.

And some residents fear another gym may be too many.

David Antill said: “I fear the saturation point for gyms has been reached.”

Michael Bond said: “This is a council that put car washes, hairdressers and betting shops all next door to each other, why not add gyms to the list.

“We’re sitting on a seafront which seems to be over looked year after year.

“The town has 100 per cent potential and absolutely nothing is done about it.

“We need more incentive for people to stay, and another gym just isn’t going to cut it.”