ONE of Europe’s fastest growing health clubs is to open at a multi-million pound city centre development, creating 12 new jobs.

Fit4Free is preparing to open its newest gym at Worcester’s St Martin’s Quarter in Lowesmoor on Friday, October 5.

It is the first business to be unveiled at the development since Asda supermarket opened its doors in March.

The fitness centre will occupy a 20,000 sq ft purpose-built site on the corner of St Martin’s Gate and Pheasant Street.

Work on fitting out the gym has already begun and the company has so far received about 60 applications for the five full-time and seven part-time jobs on offer, with posts ranging from fitness advisers to cleaners.

General manager of Fit4Free, Ian Kearney, said: “An important part of our proposition is that we become an integral part of the communities in which we operate.

“So, for example, we negotiate discounts for our members with a range of local businesses and if our members use the services on offer they could save as much as they are paying on their membership – hence Fit4Free.”

As well as exercise equipment, the gym will offer a range of fitness classes.

Selwyn Rowley of, developers Carillion Richardson, said interest in St Martin’s Quarter was high and discussions were underway with a number of retailers and restaurants interested in occupying other units.

However, he said he was not able to reveal any names while legal processes were still active, but that there would be a “succession of announcements” to come over the next month or so.

He said: “I am very excited about the opening of this dynamic and rapidly expanding fitness centre in St Martin’s Quarter which following the success of Asda, represents another step on the way to fulfilling our £75 million vision to become the city centre’s vibrant new retail, restaurant and leisure destination.”