It could be third time lucky for plans to open a gym at Ambassador House.

The Chronicle has learned that gym franchise Energie Fitness is set to open a brand new gym in the former Flora Sandes pub (similar to that pictured).

Energie has been advertising for staff on Twitter including for a club manager to run the new gym in Thornton Heath.

The Chronicle spoke to Dan Harris, Regional Operations Manager for Energie Group, who confirmed the location of the gym and said it was likely to open in November/December. 

This isn’t the first time there has been interest in the pub – PureGym and Snap Fitness were also keen. The stumbling block has been caused by controlling leaseholders of Ambassador House and the freeholder Network Rail.

The council has granted permission for change of use but because of the complex leaseholder arrangements any change of use has to get consent from the other parties.

This has resulted in lengthy delays for chartered accountant Harry Kerai who purchased the 72 year lease in 2012 on the pub with his brother as a pension investment. Wetherspoon’s activated an early release clause and it has been closed since May last year.

Energie started as a single club in 2003 in Milton Keynes and is now the UK’s market-leading gym franchisor and last month was bought by a fund management company.