An opening date has finally been confirmed for a new 24/7 gym at a former stationery store in Ashford.

Bosses at PureGym gained permission to convert the abandoned Office Outlet site on the Warren Retail Park in March 2020.

They had planned to open in December last year but will now welcome the first gym-goers on Friday, February 25 at 12pm.

The site off Simone Weil Avenue will feature more than 200 pieces of equipment, 50kg dumbbells and free wifi.

A new mezzanine floor has been installed to increase floorspace, with membership offered from £10.99 a month.

Visitors won't have to pay for parking but will share the same car park used by shoppers heading to the adjacent M&S Foodhall and Home Bargains.

Ahead of selecting the Warren Retail Park site, other locations were shortlisted across the town by PureGym chiefs.

The largest unit looked at was Connect 38 in Dover Place, while spaces in Kent House and Mace Lane were also considered.

Office Outlet – which was formerly Staples – closed in June 2019, leaving a gaping hole at the retail park.