Plans were submitted for units C2 and C3 in Eastern Approach off Alfreds Way.
The proposal outlines the conversion of the units into a “comprehensive sports and recreation facility” and was submitted by agent Tom Soper of KTB Architecture on behalf of applicant T. Rahman and validated by Barking and Dagenham Council on October 21.
This “will provide significant community benefits while making efficient use of an underutilised industrial building”.
The submitted documents reveal plans for eight courts for badminton, table tennis, and multi-sport use.
Male and female changing rooms, spa facilities including a sauna, steam room, massage room, a coffee shop and retail space are also planned on the ground floor alone.
There may also be potential private event space for ancillary sports training and education.
The first floor may hold gym facilities, yoga and studio spaces and a mezzanine event area with a view overlooking the courts.
There are no external changes proposed for the building, only internal ones.
The planning statement claims the facility will create jobs and contribute to the local economy while serving the growing residential population in the area.
It will also support active lifestyles and community wellbeing, aligning with health improvement objectives according to the document.
The planning statement’s conclusion section reads: “This proposal represents an exemplary case for change of use that delivers significant planning benefits while efficiently reusing existing building stock.
“The conversion of underutilized industrial space to a comprehensive sports and wellness facility aligns strongly with national, regional, and local planning objectives for healthy communities, social infrastructure provision, and efficient land use.”
The site was described as a “sustainable location” being two miles from Barking Station with “excellent” road accessibility to the A13.
It has 38 parking spaces – exceeding typical sports facility requirements and accommodating for peak demand according to the planning statement.
Sports facilities are also deemed to generate “more distributed traffic patterns” compared to industrial uses, reducing peak-hour congestion.
