JD Gyms has announced that it will be opening a new branch in Chatham.

Its new ‘world-class’ gym will be launching at Horsted Retail Park, next to Home Bargains.

Although an opening date has not been revealed, JD Gyms says it will open by the end of the year.

The 23,000 sq ft gym will be kitted out with more than 250 machines, as well as a sled track, a boxing area and a large free weights zone.

It will also have a studio offering hundreds of classes a month and saunas in the changing rooms.

JD Gyms, which is part of the JD Sports Fashion group, is moving into a unit that was previously set to become a UFC gym – but those plans never materialised after years of delays.

Alun Peacock, managing director at JD Gyms, said: “Chatham is a fantastic location for us and we’re excited to expand the JD Gyms brand within Kent.

“We’re incredibly proud to be creating such a high standard of fitness facility for the people of Chatham.”

A spokesperson for Royal London, landowner of Horsted Retail Park, also confirmed that the unit has been let to JD Gyms.

It will be the second JD Gyms in Medway, following the opening of its first branch at Hempstead Valley last year.