Work starts on new Sainsbury’s and PureGym in Hyde

Work has started on the new Sainsbury’s and PureGym in the Gee Cross area of Hyde.

After gaining planning permission to transform the old Audi Garage on Stockport Road last month, developers have wasted no time in getting started on building work.

Dransfield Properties is working with a team of local contractors to transform the 0.42-hectare site, which is expected to bring a Sainsbury’s Local store and a 24/7 PureGym. 

The scheme represents an investment of around £4m – delivering two new commercial units and creating up to 35 permanent jobs. This replaces the 20 jobs lost when the dealership closed last year.

Rather than demolishing the existing building, the scheme will repurpose and refurbish it to create modern retail and leisure space. The new Sainsbury’s Local will occupy around 395 sq. m (4,250 sq ft), while PureGym will take approximately 746 sq. m (8,025 sq. ft) including its mezzanine level.

The redevelopment will also include 72 parking spaces, EV charging bays, and space for a car wash and parcel lockers.

The proposal was approved in February by Tameside council’s planning panel. Coun Doreen Dickinson described this as an ‘excellent scheme’ at the meeting in Droylsden.

Developers say work is progressing well on site and the Sainsbury’s and PureGym are expected to be open and trading by June. 

Mark Dransfield, chairman of Dransfield Properties Ltd, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to bring a disused site back into active use and provide valuable new facilities and jobs for the local community.

“We’re pleased to be on site, delivering a high-quality development that will benefit the area and create a fantastic and convenient new local store and gym for residents.”

Artists impression of the completed development of Sainsbury's and PureGym in Hyde. Credit: Dransfield Properties Ltd