The opening of a new town centre gym has been delayed but work is set to start next month to get it back on track.

Infinity Fitness’ third Kent branch in Bourne Place in Sittingbourne was supposed to open at the end of last year.

However, bosses told KentOnline that the opening has been delayed by the finalising of the fit-out of vacant Units 1 and 2 and then on legal paperwork.

It means the opening has been pushed back to sometime between late March and early April.

The gym will be underneath The Light cinema which has eight screens as well as a bar and restaurant area, bowling alley and arcade.

The quarter, which is opposite the train station, also has Nandos and Sentado Lounge restaurants and a Travelodge hotel.

Infinity Fitness expects the work, which will start in February, will cost £600,000 and will create one new full-time role as well as three part-time positions.

Use the slider tool to see what the current exterior of Unit 1 of Bourne Place, Sittingbourne, looks like and what Infinity Fitness could look like

What the exterior of the unit looks like in Bourne Place, Sittingbourne, compared to what it could look like

A gym spokesman said previously: “We are extremely excited about our new Sittingbourne site for many reasons including the ideal location based in Bourne Place which offers fantastic transportation links, free parking for members and a great corner presence.

“The overall quality of this facility will rival any gym locally. No expense has been spared.”

The chain, which has two other branches in Kings Hill and Margate, submitted its plans for the 506 sq m site in December 2023.

These were backed by the former chairman of Swale council’s regeneration and property committee, Cllr Monique Bonney, who told KentOnline that the gym would be “great for the town”.

Planning permission was approved in June.

It is the latest franchise to come to the new-look centre which is part of the multi-million-pound Spirit of Sittingbourne (SoS) scheme.

Read more: Spirit of Sittingbourne: From scepticism to transforming the town centre

That project also included the construction of a 308-space multi-storey car park and the revamp of the old Princes Street depot which is now home to a Costa Coffee drive-thru, Home Bargains and The Food Warehouse.

Pizza Express and dessert chain Creams were set to open in the remaining units at Bourne Place as part of the regeneration.

However, in 2021, it was confirmed both eateries would not be coming to the town.