PLANS to convert the Lounge Bar at Unit 4, Lakeside Business Village, into a new fitness space were approved by Thurrock Council on Monday, June 8.
The application was submitted by House of Flow Ltd, owned by 25-year-old Pilates instructor Summer Lilley, who currently runs classes from a cabin in her garden.
Ms Lilley said: “Since the application was permitted I feel like such a weight has been lifted off my shoulders.
“I am looking to open the studio late July and employ two other Pilates instructors to help me with cover.
“I think it is also nice in terms of cover for clients to have a variety of people instructing them.”
Plans for the studio were first submitted on April 15, and took two months to be approved.
No objections were raised by highways officers during the planning process.
The new studio is just a 10-second walk from Chafford Hundred train station and is close to Lakeside shopping centre, which has more than 250 shops, restaurants and attractions.
The Lounge Bar was a wine bar before its closure and held a 4.2-star rating on Google from 84 reviews.
Ms Lilley’s journey from teaching clients in her garden to launching a high street studio reflects both the growing demand for Pilates and her commitment to expanding her business.
The new site will be her first physical location outside of her garden cabin.
House of Flow Studio will offer a range of Pilates classes including reformer Pilates, hot Pilates, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and sculpt sessions.
The studio will also run community events, wellness days, and private bookings – and will offer morning classes for commuters.
Opening hours will be 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday, 9am to 2pm on Saturdays, and 9.59am to 2pm on Sundays and bank holidays.
The studio will also feature a changing room and a shower for those heading straight to work or elsewhere.
Ms Lilley also plans to support families of children with special educational needs and disabilities, inspired by her autistic brother.
She will offer free sessions to nominated carers or SEND parents every few months to give them a chance to focus on their own wellbeing.
House of Flow Pilates is on social media on Facebook and Instagram @houseofflowstudio
