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Hatton’s Hyde gym will be a hit with hopefuls

25/ 6/2008

HE’S not hung up his gloves just yet, but Ricky Hatton is already planning for the future — by winning permission to open a boxing gym in Hyde.

The Hitman is set to turn a former printers in Market Street into a gym to create the next sporting hero. The application was submitted by Punch Promotions, the company run by his dad Ray.

The speaker’s panel was told Manchester City Council had approached Hatton asking him to consider sites in Ardwick and Gorton with the promise of grant money.

But the loyal 29 year old, who lives in Gee Cross, snubbed them in favour of Hyde because of his close ties to the area. Along with boxing facilities, it will also boast a coffee lounge, shop, sun beds, physio and beauticians.

Hatton’s nutritionist, Kerry Kayes, runs the Betta Bodies Gym in Denton where the light welterweight champ currently trains. He agrees people will "flock" to the Hitman Gym and is delighted the fighter will still be involved in the sport once he retires.

The proposed gym, based at Andrews House, will be extended in height and fitted with a contemporary curved roof while the car park will be marked out for 35 vehicles.

A neighbour on Queen Street objected to the scheme, claiming the raised roof will block out all light to their front room and the increased traffic will add to congestion in the area.

Planning chiefs admit a lack of distance between the gym and terraced houses on Queen Street does contravene the guidelines, but said it was not sufficent to justify refusing the application.

Councillor Warren Bray, chairman of speaker’s panel, said: "Other sites were available in Manchester, but it’s good to see he’s committed to Hyde and wants to stay."