THE competition in the gym market will intensify if plans for a new fitness centre are approved.

Plans have been submitted to St Helens Council to make alterations to the current Sports Direct store on King Street to accommodate the new facility.

The ground floor area will be expanded into an adjacent vacant unit, with the first floor transformed into a gym.

Sports Direct remain tight-lipped over specific details but preparatory work on the site already appears to have begun.

A sign was put up outside the store announcing the fitness centre plans and its scheduled opening in the summer.

Facilities will include a spin studio, a large free weights area, reception area, changing rooms and will be able to accommodate functional training and group classes.

A membership offer of £5 per month is being offered and more information can be found on www.sportsfitness.com

The town already has a number of gyms offering discount memberships, including Gymbug and Xercise4Less.