A BOUTIQUE hot pilates studio, coffee shop and specialist activewear store could open on New Street, if plans are approved.
ReformHER owner Sophia Moustras is seeking permission to change the use of the ground floor of 13 New Street from retail to a mixed retail and fitness studio.
The proposal would see retail and a publicly accessible speciality coffee shop retained at the front of the premises, with an infrared hot pilates studio to the rear.
The shop would sell activewear, pilates clothing and accessories, reusable drinkware and other wellness products.
Planning documents say the development would build on the applicant’s existing ReformHER pilates studio on Seale Street, which has experienced “sustained demand” for its fitness classes.
“The proposed development builds upon this established customer base by expanding an existing successful local business rather than introducing an untested commercial concept,” the application said.
Ms Moustras said that the new venture would attract people into New Street throughout the day, including coffee customers, shoppers and people attending morning and evening fitness classes.
The proposed infrared hot pilates studio is described as “a specialist fitness offering that is not currently available in this format within Jersey”, which would broaden the Island’s health and wellbeing provision.
The retail impact statement said the scheme reflects the changing nature of town centres, with shops increasingly operating alongside hospitality and leisure businesses.
It adds: “Rather than diminishing retail activity, the proposal enhances the attractiveness of the premises by increasing footfall, extending customer dwell time and encouraging linked trips to surrounding businesses throughout the day and evening.”
No extensions, demolition or structural alterations are proposed, while the existing shopfront, windows and external appearance would remain unchanged.
The studio would use ceiling-mounted infrared panels to provide the temperatures needed for hot pilates.
If planners decide the mixed-use proposal is unsuitable, the applicant has asked for consideration to instead allow the premises to operate entirely as a fitness studio.
Ms Moustras said her preference was for the mixed-use option, arguing that it represented the “most effective and vibrant use of the premises” while maintaining an active retail presence on New Street.
