A CLOSED down gymnasium could see a new lease of life as the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead (RBWM) Council offers support and temporary facilities.

Earlier this year, Phoenix Gymnastics, which has been providing coaching for children for over 40 years, had to close its doors for the final time to its 1,000 members after its lease ended on the Water Oakley site.

Bray Film Studios is also eyeing up the demolition of the building as they want to expand further out with new studios.

A glimmer of hope sparkled when the gym announced they were filing a retrospective planning application to build a temporary home in Fifield.

READ MORE: "Better" and new bus routes could be added to Windsor & Maidenhead

That was dashed when RBWM stepped in and stopped them from developing on the green belt without permission, fearing it could set a “precedent” for other green belt developments.

But now the council has extended their arm of support to the club in an open letter to the former chairman Alistair Thornton, offering them temporary facilities for their members.

The letter was signed by Bray councillor and lead member for planning, David Coppinger (Con), and cabinet member for sport and leisure, councillor Ross McWilliams (Con: Cox Green) – who said they were “genuinely saddened” to hear the gym closed.

With the council intervening with the club’s planning application, RBWM stated public impression of their relationship may look strained.

READ MORE: New ways Windsor & Maidenhead roads are being maintained

With this open letter and their pledge to “explore every possible option” of support, RBWM hopes this will amend ties with Phoenix Gymnastics and build back its community for its members.

The letter states: “Perhaps there is a way RBWM’s existing leisure estate can provide a temporary solution, albeit not on the same scale as before; perhaps there are private/charitable facilities in the Borough we can tap in to; or maybe we may even yet find a suitable location for a permanent new gymnastics facility.”