Published: 18 July, 2013
by PAVAN AMARA

A FAMOUS yoga studio, claiming to be the largest in Europe, says it is in a battle to survive amid plans to turn the building into new flats and offices.

Triyoga in Erskine Road, Primrose Hill, opened in 2000 and became a popular destination for a string of famous faces, including Kate Moss, Gwyneth Paltrow, Jude Law and Jade Jagger.

But its landlords have been given permission to convert the studio, leading to emergency talks between Triyoga and the council over ways to save the centre.

Jonathan Sattin, a former lawyer who founded the centre, which also has branches in Covent Garden, Chelsea, and Soho, said: “They got that planning permission last year, that was the beginning of all this.

"It’s not that we will close, it’s simply that we’re at risk of that happening.

"Our landlords are an offshore company, and they applied and got permission to turn Triyoga into offices. But the council gave them that permission, so, to be blunt, the council has not helped things.”

He added: “The lease expires in October 2014, but we have the legal right to remain and renew our lease, which is what we intend to do and we will continue as Triyoga.

"But I suspect the landlords will choose to fight this and take us to court. When it comes to that, we can only hope.”

The centre’s design was created by catwalk name Matthew Williamson, and it’s well known for having some of world’s leading yoga teachers guiding students through Ashtanga, Kundalini, Vinyasa Flow Yoga and Pilates.

Savannah Schandler, who regularly attends classes at the centre said: “If Triyoga is closing, that is huge news. That place is as much a part of Primrose Hill as the hill itself.

"When I was a new mum Triyoga kept me going, it was vital to getting my figure back, so it’s incredibly important for so many mums in the area. It fits with the area, a lot of yoga places ask you to forget about your worldly possessions, but that’s just not realistic for us.”

PKS Architects are named on the 2012 planning application, along with landlord Durley Investments. Sean Sohrabkhani, who is the practice manager, said all plans for Triyoga were “confidential”.

But added: “This decision was made by a board at Camden Council. So, if Triyoga does close, that’s nothing to do with us, lots of areas were looked at when the planning application was approved. There will be further changes, but we can’t say what that will be.”

Cllr Lazzaro Pietragnoli, for Camden Town and Primrose Hill, said: “I cannot comment on any planning application that’s currently going through the system.

“Regarding last year’s permission for offices, we had no grounds to reject permission.

"One of the reasons they listed in that application was that Triyoga’s lease is ending in 2014, another was that it is not the only leisure facility in the area because there are other yoga centres and gyms.

“So, we couldn’t safeguard it on either of those grounds, despite wanting to. If it does go it will be a real blow for Primrose Hill, I personally want to do anything I can to keep it there.”

Cabinet member for regeneration and growth Cllr Valerie Leach said: “The landlord of the property has chosen not to extend Triyoga’s lease which runs out in 2014. This is a matter between those parties.

“Ward councillors, including Cllr Pat Callaghan, who has responsibility for health, a planning officer and myself will be meeting with the owner of Triyoga next week to discuss this situation.”