A much anticipated 24/7 gym franchise has opened its doors.

PureGym has welcomed its first members into its new branch in Sittingbourne Retail Park.

The facility has been fitted with more than 220 pieces of equipment, including free weights, fixed resistance machines, and cardio equipment.

Fitness fanatics were quick to get into the gym which opened at noon today.

Father-of-three Darren Sweeney was one of the first to try it out.

He says he has been travelling from his home in Sittingbourne to the Maidstone branch of PureGym as the other gyms in the area “are so expensive”.

The 57-year-old added: “It really helps to have a PureGym here as it means I don’t have to travel anymore.

“The main thing is that it’s good value for money as all the equipment is brand new and if I go somewhere else I’ll pay double the money.”

Meanwhile, Ryan Kellemen, who is from Sheffield but is working on Sheppey, says the gym opening is “perfect” for him.

The 24-year-old said: “I work across the country painting electronic pylons and almost everywhere I go there’s a PureGym so it makes sense.

“A lot of gyms want you to sign up for a 12-month contract rather than a month or so. I was travelling to the Chatham PureGym before.”

Freelance personal trainer, Jack Harris, who also has clients at Swallows Leisure Centre, says the new gym is going to keep him busy.

The 27-year-old, who has been training gymgoers since 2021, added: “I think it’ll see some of the other gyms have to lower their prices a little bit as it is a lot cheaper here.”

KentOnline reported in November that the nationwide gym chain would be taking over the unit between Pets at Home and Dunelm Mill.

It had been occupied by Bensons for Beds which shut on December 9.

The 929 sq m branch has created nine new jobs.

A PureGym spokesperson said the fitness facilities would provide its members with “everything they need to maximise their physical and mental health”.

She added: “We are thrilled to be expanding our presence in south-east England and bringing flexible, affordable fitness to Sittingbourne.

“We look forward to welcoming members through the doors.”

PureGym has more than 1.4 million members in the UK and more than 370 facilities across the country.