SPORTWEAR giant JJB is to open the first combined superstore and fitness club of its kind in the south east in Kent in October.

The announcement of the ambitious 45,000sq ft project at the Westwood Cross retail centre in the heart of Thanet ends weeks of speculation about a proposed major new addition planned for the complex.

The fitness club will be home to an outstanding array of facilities including a 20m swimming pool, a high-tech gym and free-weights area plus two aerobic studios with extensive timetables. There will even be a member’s lounge, luxury changing rooms and an aromatic steam room.

It will open from 6.30am until 10pm on weekdays and from 8am until 8pm at weekends.

The JJB Superstore will offer a range of sports clothing and footwear for men, women and children as well as impressive bike and golfing departments.

Will Starkey, national sales manager for JJB Sports and Leisure, said: "We are delighted to be opening in Thanet in the autumn and believe JJB will bring something new and special to Westwood Cross.

"The great environment, accessibility and retail offer that already exists at the centre made it a perfect location for our first development of this kind in the south east."

David Plumb, Westwood Cross centre manager, added: "Their decision to choose Westwood Cross to home facilities of this magnitude is testament to the positive impact the centre has had."

People who are keen to know more about the development and membership details can visit www.jjbfitness.co.uk where they can enter their details and enjoy a sneak preview prior to the opening.