AN empty warehouse is undergoing a £500,000 transformation to become a gym for up to 2,000 members.

Fit4less is due to open at Stanway Retail Park on September 8.

Workers are transforming the 7,600 sq ft building, which has been empty for three years, ready for the opening.

It is one of the biggest units at the retail park in Peartree Road.

Club owner Steve Funnell has made a career change from 20 years in banking to take on the new venture.

He said: “I got redundancy earlier this year and tried to turn that situation into something I am interested in and to help other people as well.

“There is a significant investment going into getting the new gym ready, part of it is using my redundancy money and I have been raising bank funds as well.

“I am trying to set up a viable business in the area and create jobs for people.”

The gym, which will also offer classes, will be staffed all by eight instructors, including two apprentices.

Mr Funnell said he was keen to offer opportunities to young people who may feel they want to study a vocation. They will study for an NVQ.

He has also undertaken his own training to become a qualified fitness instructor.

Mr Funnell added: “When I looked at what I do, fitness and going to the gym and staying active was one of the key things. I am quite passionate to try to allow people who have been put off in the past to see how it could transform their lives.”

Mr Funnell said despite the large number of gyms in Colchester he felt his would offer the essentials people need without paying for the luxuries offered by established chains of health clubs.

It is offering an initial membership offer of £14.99 a month.

Fit4Less has more than 50 franchises in the UK and Colchester’s will be the first in Essex, with one also opening in Basildon soon.