Noise and security are two issues Maitland resident Pat O’Hearn has raised after learning her next door neighbour, Genesis Fitness, has applied for a 24-hour operating licence.
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Gym owner John Pirlo, has applied to Maitland City Council to amend his business’s operating hours.
The matter has been on public exhibition and was open for comment. Council will now make a determination.
The application is for the company’s gym located at 555 High Street Maitland which opened in 2007.
It’s Rutherford operation already has a 24-hour licence.
Mrs O’Hearn said the nearby call centre Sykes currently operates 24 hours. It is also located in the 555 High Street commercial complex but at the eastern end of the development. The gym is closest to Mrs O’Hearn’s home on the western end of the centre.
“I’m worried about car doors slamming, people standing around and talking in the middle of the night,” Mrs OHearn said.
“The other issue is parking. There have always been parking problems here and I’ve actually had people parking in my yard. Security is another issue,” Mrs O’Hearn said.
Mr Pirlo said he has always had a close relationship with his neighbours and will only make change that is seen as a positive for them and the community.
“Maitland has always been a popular club since we opened it almost nine years ago,” Mr Pirlo said.
“The move to 24/7 at that club has been prompted by us making a decision that all of our clubs would offer every service that is available in the industry, meaning that we want a consistent experience,” he said.
Mr Pirlo doesn’t expect the numbers of the club to swell greatly as a result of the extended hours. Typically there are very few visitors between the hours of 11pm and 4.30am in our 24/7 clubs meaning that after hours traffic flow is a minimum.
“In regards to security, we have actually found that the 24/7 operation decreases the crime due to people being around (or the potential of people being around), and our state of the art camera and duress system deters people. Everything is recorded inside and at the perimeter of the entrances,” Mr Pirlo said.
He said 24/7 has almost become a standard offering in the industry. “As we operate many 24/7 clubs now we have made sure that our security for the members and neighbours is the first priority. Back to base and emergency response systems are standard in our clubs.”
