A national gym chain has been permitted to renovate a former stationery shop, however the coronavirus is delaying the potential opening.

PureGym first applied to take over the Office Outlet unit on Ashford's Warren Retail Park in early January, with permission being granted on March 2.

The company is touting the new site on its website, suggesting there will be more than 220 pieces of equipment, over 50 classes, 50kg dumbbells and free wifi.

Open 24/7, the gym will also see the construction of a mezzanine deck and bring 15 jobs into Ashford.

Originally, the Simone Weil Avenue shop was one of a handful of potential locations shortlisted around the town.

PureGym had looked into taking up a unit of the Connect 38 building on Dover Place, however the applicant stated: “Given that this is new, purpose-built office accommodation that has required significant investment from the building’s developers, it would not be suitable for the proposed gym use.

“The existing accommodation would require considerable adaptation and it is unlikely that the proposed use would be compatible with existing office uses or the requirements of future office tenants.”

Similarly, units in Kent House and Mace Lane were also disregarded before Office Outlet was chose.

The Ashford site will be the fitness firm's seventh 24/7 branch in Kent, however its opening has been delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.

On March 20, all gyms were ordered to close by the government to promote social distancing and it is not known when they can re-open.

PureGym confirmed no renovation work will be carried out during the lockdown.

The company is expecting work, "especially at Ashford", to be going ahead as soon as possible

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