PLANS to breathe new life into the “lost corner” of Hermitage Park have been lodged with council officials.

Steve Losh from The Journey personal fitness and training centre in Helensburgh has submitted a planning application to Argyll and Bute Council for an outdoor gym and shipping containers in the south-west corner of the park.

The planning application is part of a set of proposals to the council for a three-year lease of the site, between the rear of the Victoria Halls and Millig’s Burn.

A supporting statement describes the proposed facility, using small shipping containers to safely store equipment when not in use, as being “appropriate to the proposed area, taking into consideration its setting and regards to both national and local constraints”.

The Journey has operated fitness sessions in the park since 2009.

The supporting statement says the new facility, if permission is granted and an agreement reached to lease the site, would be “staffed for the majority of the day, improving the security of the area and encouraging more footfall, especially in the evenings”.

It sets out a list of services to be provided at the proposed facility, including drop-in sessions, classes and memberships for children and young adults, dedicated memberships for charities and former services personnel, and an annual family fitness and fun event in the park.

The statement adds: “The south west area of the park, to the rear of the Victoria Halls has historically attracted anti-social behaviour.

“It’s secluded and more shaded from the rest of the park. It has meant that it is often forgotten by most and rarely visited, resulting in many dubbing it “The Lost Corner”.

“We want to help change this perception. We think we can do something truly special here.

“We believe that the fitness facility in Hermitage Park can become something special for the community.

“It would showcase strong leadership and dedication to fitness, mental health and the wellbeing of those who currently cherish the beauty of Hermitage Park and attract many others to the area from further afield.

“We believe it to be a fantastic opportunity for all parties to work together and create a new home for outdoor fitness and mental health services in the local area.

“Over the last 13 years, we have had the pleasure with working closely with the Friends of Hermitage Park and Argyll and Bute Council, galvanising strong relationships that we believe will grow stronger in the future, putting the community at the centre of everything we do.”

The application documents can be viewed in full by searching the planning section of Argyll and Bute Council’s website (argyll-bute.gov.uk) for the reference code 22/01039/PNAGRI .

A decision is expected from council officials by Thursday, July 7.