A PureGym is set to open in place of a former Wilko which has sat derelict since its closure last year.

The fitness chain will be opening its latest Kent branch at the end of the year at Swanley Square Shopping Centre.

A planning application was submitted by the gym operator in May which proposed the installation of new double doors. This will be the main access point to the gym.

There are also plans for ramp access and bike storage to be installed at the site.

PureGym already has 13 branches in Kent, including in Chatham, Maidstone and Canterbury.

The closest branches to Swanley currently are in Sidcup and Orpington – however there are a number of alternative gyms in the town.

Wilko collapsed into administration last August, eventually closing more than 400 stores and shedding all 12,500 jobs in October.

The parent firm of The Range, CDS Superstores, have bought the Wilko brand for £5 million.

Many of its branch locations have now been snapped up by Poundland and B&M but the future of Swanley’s site remained in doubt, until now.

A PureGym spokesperson said: “We are delighted to be bringing flexible, affordable fitness to Swanley.

“The brand new 6,500 sq. ft. gym will be located in the former Wilko site in Swanley Shopping Centre and will provide members with 24/7 access to state-of-the-art fitness facilities through our low-cost, zero-contract memberships.

“We look forward to welcoming members through the doors of PureGym Swanley in the winter – look out for our opening offer.”