Anytime Fitness has confirmed they will be opening in the old Barclays bank on Market Road, Wickford, later this year and work will begin on the site within weeks.
The bank closed its doors on February 5, 2021, and the building has remained empty ever since.
The gym chain has more than 200 sites across the UK and already operates on Canvey and in Leigh.
(Image: Anytime Fitness)
Greg Caroll, gym manager, is looking forward to the new opening and is hoping the business will open in November.
He said: “We are very excited to be part of the Wickford community with our upcoming gym opening.
“We have already had great feedback about us coming to the High Street and can’t wait to welcome the local community when we open later this year.
“Our mission is to provide an inclusive experience that delivers for everyone, from classes, to personal training or simply enjoying our premium facility.”
Anytime Fitness franchises boast they are open “24/7, 365 days a year” to members as well as having high-spec quality gym equipment for members to enjoy and personalised exercise plans.
Bosses said the new location is a walking distance from the town centre and added residents were “over the moon” following the news of its arrival.
A spokesperson for the business said: “Everybody is really happy to see that this big building is no longer going to be empty and there is something useful coming to the town centre.
“We’re looking forward to opening up in Wickford town centre and incorporating ourselves within the community.
“The philosophy behind Anytime Fitness is nationally known, locally owned.
“We care about making an impact to Wickford and its residents.”
For more information, visit anytimefitness.co.uk/