A gym is briefly closing its doors in one Chapel Hill space for a few days before its new location formally opens.

Planet Fitness at University Place at 201 South Estes Drive closed to customers on Monday, Dec. 29 as the fitness chain prepares to relocate to a new space at 257 South Elliott Road in Chapel Hill. A whiteboard sign outside of the University Place space shared the news with visitors, saying the 24-hour gym is now closed and the Elliot Square location plans to open on Wednesday, Dec. 31. The message also encouraged gym members to utilize other nearby Planet Fitness locations in Durham and Hillsborough.

A sign outside of the University Place Planet Fitness on Monday, Dec. 29. (Photo via Chapel Hill Media Group.)

The move comes after months of Planet Fitness renovating the space within Elliott Square, which was previously home to an O2 Fitness gym. The business’ webpage for the new location touts typical Planet Fitness amenities like state-of-the-art equipment, clean locker rooms, a spa for its PF Black Card Spa members and friendly staff. It will operate between GoPuff grocery delivery space and the Breadman’s restaurant at the shopping center.

A sign promoting the new Planet Fitness location along South Elliott Road on Nov. 30. (Photo by the Chapel Hill Media Group.)

The move opens another space at University Place, as the Chapel Hill mall continues to go through changes as part of its ongoing redevelopment and shuffling of tenants. On the same side of the main building as Planet Fitness, Kidzu Children’s Museum closed its space following a water main break in Aug. 2024, Style Brows Threading Studio relocated to Rams Plaza and Gerrie & Co. closed after July’s flooding from Tropical Depression Chantal, and Alfredo’s Pizza Villa relocated across the parking lot to a new space in the 900 Willow building in November. Planet Fitness was listed alongside new businesses in University Place’s master plan as recently as March and its move frees another big box space within the anchor building that owners Ram Realty have prioritized turning “inside out” to close interior-only storefronts. The mall also added businesses like Jeni’s Ice Cream, WakeMed MyCare 365, Solidcore, SWTHZ and Veterinary Emergency Group in 2025.

Planet Fitness locations are typically open 24 hours daily — but the New Year’s holiday alters that schedule. While hours for the South Elliott Road gym are not posted, other Planet Fitness clubs nationwide are open from 12 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Dec. 31 and from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. on Jan. 1.

Featured photo via Chapel Hill Media Group.

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