A popular gym is to close next month and is being turned into a children’s centre and community kitchen.

Members of the Woodlands Gym in Gillingham have been told it will shut on Saturday, December 21 “due to increasing costs and reduction in demand”.

The sports venue, which opened in 2008 is run by The Rivermead Inclusive Trust, an education academy, that announced the decision earlier this month.

It did have 250 members, but numbers have dwindled in recent years.

Tina Lovey, trust chief executive said: "We had to think on our feet. While it is obviously sad for some of the regular users, with the reduction in gym members and increasing costs to run and maintain the building and equipment, it wasn't financially viable for us as a trust.

"Instead, we have looked at what will benefit the wider community and the children at the school.

"While it's in its early planning stages, we hope it will serve two main purposes. Firstly, a kitchen, where our children and members of the surrounding area can learn to cook basic, essential dishes.

"With a focus on diversity, equality and inclusion, culturally, and a cost-of-living crisis, we believe a community kitchen where groups can come to learn to cook many different types of food from around the world, is much needed.

"Today, the school doesn't have the facilities to provide whole classes with practical cooking skills, so this space will be invaluable for the pupils. We have a qualified nutritionist on board who works with the school, who will be able to run classes for our pupils and also, for groups through Gillingham and Medway.

"The Academy of Woodlands has an established arts and sports centre with rooms used by the community for dance, sensory, baby groups, and more. We envision the second function of this new project as an expansion of this, where community groups can use the rooms and space, but with a focus on children.

“Maternity and antenatal services and baby yoga, are just some of the ideas currently being discussed, with support for vulnerable families and those most in need.

"In effect, we see it as a community hub that can eventually offer many different uses for the school and community, that make more sense financially and operationally and will benefit hundreds more people. It will provide a lifeline for many of the community who need it most."

The letter sent to members said “It is with a very heavy heart that we have taken the difficult decision to cease operations. This was not a decision that was taken lightly.

“We appreciate the news will come as a shock to many and if you require any guidance in finding another suitable gym, please do speak to us at reception.”

It added that the sports hall and 3G pitch, along with the arts facilities and rooms will remain open and available for hire.

The gym offered discount membership to NHS workers, pensioners, students and children over the the age of eight.

It has 35 stationary machines including bikes, treadmills and cross-trainers, along with a weights studio, and also offers one-to-one training for all age groups.