The opening date for a gym which will replace a former town centre Wilko has been revealed.

PureGym will be welcoming people to its latest branch in Swanley Square Shopping Centre at midday on Friday, December 20 – just in time for the New Year.

The 6,500 sq ft venue will be open 24/7 and will boast “hundreds of pieces of state-of-the-art equipment”.

There will also be a functional zone, free weights area, fixed resistance, cardio equipment and a fitness studio as well as a range of classes.

Certified personal trainers will also be available.

The gym has replaced Wilko which collapsed into administration last August, eventually closing more than 400 stores and shedding all 12,500 jobs in October.

The parent firm of The Range, CDS Superstores, bought the Wilko brand for £5 million. Many of its branch locations have since been snapped up by Poundland and B&M.

A planning application was submitted by PureGym in May which proposed the installation of new double doors. This will be the main access point to the gym.

A ramp access and bike storage have also been put in.

PureGym will not be taking up all of the former Wilko site, with a section of the unit still vacant.

The chain already has 13 branches in Kent, including in Chatham, Maidstone and Canterbury.

A PureGym spokesperson said: “Following strong demand for PureGym’s affordable, flexible fitness offering in Kent, we are excited to be expanding our presence with a brand-new gym in Swanley.

“Our newest gym is in a prime location in Swanley Shopping Centre and will provide members with around-the-clock access to low-cost, high-quality fitness facilities to support their physical and mental wellbeing.

“We can’t wait to welcome members through the doors of PureGym Swanley.”