A gym and nursery in a former Sports Direct is expected to open in January.

A restaurant, beauty clinic and business hub are also earmarked for the community space in Ramsgate town centre, which would cover the old USC store, too.

Paul Clarke, owner of the company driving the £500,000 project, says he wants to inspire residents to head to the gym, which will be named Blitz Training Academy, and eat better.

Mr Clarke, 56, of parent company Blitz Group Inc, said: “I really hope it's going to encourage people in Thanet to lead a healthier lifestyle, and that's why it's an academy - we're here to teach.

“Like the saying goes - give a man a fish and feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and feed him for life.”

The Queen Street centre is set to open in early January next year, with a taster opening day planned for December 17.

Planning permission was granted in May to transform the empty units, including adding flats on the top floors.

Drawings in the application show the 1000-member gym will be equipped with a weights area, 10-metre track, spa, massage room and flotation tank.

Various courses delivered by Blitz Educational Academy will be open to the public on everything from cosmetics and nutrition to mental health first aid.

Mr Clarke, who has worked as a personal trainer for eight years - said: “I’m really excited about it, really excited that we are bringing these services to the local community. I think we are plugging a bit of a hole and making it inclusive for everybody.

The gym, which will cost £27.99, will operate women-only hours, to help ladies feel more comfortable working out.

Meanwhile, the nursery - which included a créche - has been named Wiz Kidz Inc, and the beauty clinic is Orchid Beauty and Aesthetics.

Alongside all of this, a business hub will operate at the back, with ‘hot desks’ for hire and two conference rooms.

In November, developer JDP Limited lodged plans for the project, and approached Mr Clarke about running the gym, after permission was given.