The council has announced who will be taking over a large town centre gym complex.

Maidstone Leisure Trust (MLT) in partnership with Serco Leisure is set to run a new fitness club and gym at Lockmeadow in Barker Road.

The space, which has a large gym and swimming pool, is currently managed by David Lloyd, who announced in February that they would be leaving at the end of this month.

Last week Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) announced they were “in talks” over the future of the unit.

But the local authority has now confirmed MLT, which also helps run Mote Park and Maidstone Leisure Centre, will take over and manage the club, which will continue to operate as a private health and fitness facility, from Saturday, June 3.

Cabinet member for leisure and arts, Cllr Claudine Russell said: “After extensive marketing and interest from other providers, Serco Leisure’s offer in both terms of financial reward and service provided, put them as the front runners to continue running this private members’ club.

“We know how much our residents have valued this facility in the town centre for many years and are delighted that it will remain open as a place to relax, workout and socialise for the people of Maidstone.”

Clive Bradburn, chair of MLT added: “We are delighted to be supporting the council to keep this popular local health and fitness venue open.

“The trust would like to assure current members that it will remain as a private club and existing members will be offered an initial discount as they re-join.

“We will continue to improve on the excellent service that people have come to expect from this premier facility over the years.”

MLT is planning to provide the exercise classes, swimming classes, along with hair and beauty treatments previously offered.

They will also be seeking a new tenant for the hairdressers, beauty therapy, treatment rooms and personal trainers.

The news comes as Lockmeadow is set to introduce a number of changes.

Multiple restaurants and food stands at its LoveFood food hall have changed since it opened, and big name Frankie & Benny’s announced it was closing last year.

The Italian restaurant is currently in the process of being ripped out and has been put up for sale.

A brochure for the development site said it would be suitable for a number of business ventures, including “competitive adult gaming”.