AN extreme obstacle course is set to open in Colchester.

The facility, in Greenstead Road, will feature challenges similar to those seen on TV’s Ninja Warrior. It will be open in Greenstead Road by the end of October.

Known as Ultimate Ninja UK and training facilities will be housed in an 15,000 sq ft building on a business park.

The facility is expected to appeal to a wide range of fitness and sporting disciplines, including gymnasts, martial artists, athletes and fans of Crossfit training.

Believed to be the first of its kind in the UK, it will include a twin lane obstacle course, on which races can be held between individuals and teams.

The Ultimate Ninja UK obstacle course will provide challenges similar to those endured by competitors on the worldwide TV phenomenon Ninja Warrior.

The course is not just for the super-fit.

Its design means it can be adapted to suit children as young as eight, as well as adults,

David Gynn, Ultimate Ninja UK spokesman, said a large investment had gone into the venture.

He said: “It is a completely new business and it has spanned from a very much established business in Colchester, SD School of Martial Arts.

“The school is in a building that is 3,000 to 4,000 sq ft. The new building is 15,000 q ft, so 5,000 of that will be for Ultimate Ninja UK and the school is going to have new facilities in there.

“The site itself is going to offer a whole range of sports and recreational facilities.”

These will include further fitness, wellness and beauty facilities and a café.

Children’s birthday parties and corporate team-building events will also be available.

Training sessions will also be offered to enable anyone, regardless of age or fitness level, to tackle the obstacle course – and improve their fitness, strength and agility as they learn.

The training facilities will also be put to use during regular Ultimate Ninja UK Charity Challenges.

The site is being prepared for its opening with equipment made by Colchester-based Sportsafe UK.

The number of jobs to be created will be confirmed soon.