THE date for the opening of a new gym in Winchester city centre has been announced.

F45 Training will be moving into the unit at 9-11 High Street, part of the space previously occupied by Next.

A spokesman for the gym said: "We are set to open on October 8 and are amazed with the interest so far with over 1,400 entries to our 12 month free membership competition.

"We are super excited to be on the High Street and are already enjoying being part of the community by experiencing events like the recent Winchester Marafun. We look forward to the months ahead and to dive into future Winchester events to meet more of the community."

F45 was founded in 2011 in Australia and is now one of the fastest growing fitness concepts in the world.

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The 45 minute classes are a combination of circuit and functional training with a strong focus on burning fat, building lean muscle and enjoyment.

Each session is ran by two certified coaches which allows for a much more intimate and motivational group workout and means any fitness level can come and participate in classes. 

The space has been empty since Next pulled out in 2017. The first potential development was by Loungers, which runs the Cosy Club and Loungers chains. It got permission for a conversion in August 2020 but their plans were derailed by the pandemic.

Builders moved into the unit, under the Travelodge, to split it into two in April.

Before Next operated from the premises it was a Gateway supermarket and previously, Somerfield.

The other side of the unit is set to be part of the German Doner Kebab chain.