A FORMER footballer aims to net planning permission to turn a disused Barrhead church into a state-of-the-art gym.

Michael O’Hara has applied for the go-ahead to convert the 178-year-old Barrhead United Reformed Church, in Arthurlie Street, into a fitness centre.

If he gets the green light from planners at East Renfrewshire Council, he hopes to have the new venture up and running by March of next year.

The historic church had been lying empty for the past three years until Mr O’Hara snapped it up eight months ago.

He says he will retain the original outside features during building work, with only the interior being changed.

Mr O’Hara, who played for Queen’s Park and top Junior outfit Pollok as a midfielder during his days as a footballer, believes that booming Barrhead is an ideal location to launch his first business venture.

He said the gym, which he is naming Aspire, will be aimed at people who want to keep fit in large groups, rather than taking part in individual workouts.

“All of the fitness activities will be done in group sessions of up to 12 people,” said Mr O’Hara, who has a degree in sports science and has done fitness training and personal conditioning work with professional footballers and other athletes.

“It won’t be the type of place where you just turn up and do your own thing.

“We will teach people how to use the gym equipment so they can get the best out if it.

“I am from the southside of Glasgow and Barrhead is a perfect location for the gym.”

As a former sportsman, Mr O’Hara is very aware of the benefits that fitness can bring to mental as well as physical health.

“Everyone will be assessed beforehand to establish their level of fitness,” he added.

Barrhead United Reformed Church was built in 1844 and closed its doors in 2019.

Mr O’Hara’s application to convert the town centre venue into a modern gym was submitted on September 30.

He said that, provided his plans are approved, the gym will be open during the day and evening to anyone over the age of 16.

A spokesperson for East Renfrewshire Council said the planning application submitted by Mr O’Hara will be considered in due course.