Plan to turn former Robin Hood attraction into gym

The Tales of Robin Hood attraction closed in 2009

Plans to convert the home of a former Robin Hood attraction in Nottingham into a gym have been submitted to Nottingham City Council.

The application seeks permission to open a multi-million pound "supergym" at a vacant building on Maid Marian Way.

The property was previously home to the Tales of Robin Hood attraction, which closed in 2009, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said.

The plans have been submitted by Luke Willmott and Ray Brewin, the owner and co-director of Castle Gym, respectively, which was based in Castle Boulevard between 1981 and 2022.

Mr Willmott and Mr Brewin hope to re-open Castle Gym

Mr Willmott was served an eviction notice after the building was sold to a developer in 2021, according to the LDRS.

He said the gym was "still very much at the forefront of our hearts".

“A lot of people out there want to see Castle Gym become their home again," he added.

“Hopefully all good things come to those who wait.”

The application includes plans to develop a business and office hub

Tales of Robin Hood opened in 1989 and used a chair-lift ride to take visitors through a recreation of medieval Nottingham and Robin Hood’s Sherwood Forest hideout, along with its sounds and smells.

Medieval banquets were also held in the attraction's Great Hall area but all that remains of the attraction is a cafe menu on a wall, according to the LDRS.

Mr Brewin said the ground floor would be dug up, if the plans are approved, so it can be converted into a large gym area featuring a mezzanine upper floor with cardio equipment.

The first floor would be used as a business and office hub for up to 30 firms, the LDRS said.

The pair hope the gym will be completed in the second quarter of 2025, subject to planning permission.