THE SITE of a town gym that was at the centre of a kidnapping scandal is set to be transformed with new housing.

The Parlour, the name of Eastleigh Borough Council’s latest residential development proposal would be built on the former Samson’s Gym and Crockery site on the corner of Chamberlayne Road and Derby Road, Eastleigh.

In 2018, the gym was closed down after its owner was sentenced to nine years in prison for his involvement in a kidnapping.

Residents have recently been informed of proposals to demolish the building and now, the council has announced it will be holding a public webinar in April to tell residents about its proposals.

The 45-minute session, taking place at 7pm on April 7, is aimed at giving residents the opportunity to meet the team delivering the proposals and hear about the design process so far.

This webinar is the first in a series of events taking place throughout April and May. At this stage there is said to be no planning application for the site.

Eastleigh MP, Paul Holmes said however that this is “another” example of the council “destroying the heritage and character” of the area.

But a council spokesperson said: “Early proposals for residential properties, including affordable housing, on the site at the corner of Chamberlayne Road and Derby Road are being drawn up.

"The project team will be sharing proposals with and getting feedback from, residents before a planning application is submitted."

The MP added: “I am also concerned by the impact on existing communities. The Council previously granted themselves planning permission to build 28 flats without parking spaces at the old post office site.

“We need to ensure there is proper parking provision.”

A group of residents called the Gym Improvement Group was created recently because of concerns over redevelopment plans on the site.

One member of the group, Bob Everett said: “We’d been told there wasn’t a proposed design for the site. A couple of weeks later, we have a name, a drawing, and proposals for 19 flats.

“We are very keen to have a positive input into the planning process for the gym site to get the best possible development for everyone in the Borough.”