Final preparations are under way as LED Leisure gets ready to open its brand-new Fitness Centre in Seaton town centre.

The modern gym and exercise studio, which is on the site of the old Grove nightclub, is to have a ‘soft’ opening on Monday, September 26.

People who have recently signed up to LED membership will have exclusive access to the new centre, giving them a tour of the centre and the chance to try out all the new facilities.

The centre – built in partnership with Axminster Power Tools – will open officially to the public a week later on Monday, October 3.

“There’s been talk about a new gym in Seaton for many years, so it’s exciting times for the town,” says Chris Duchenski, the centre’s manager.

“Our big selling point is that the gym will cater for everyone’s needs. We’re hoping to provide a superb facility for everyone in the town.”

LED will occupy the first floor of the building, with changing facilities and shops on the ground floor. The 11,000sq ft gym will include cardio-vascular, strength and conditioning, resistance and functional training areas.

The gym is Chris’s favourite part of the new centre. “Larger than our other centres, it’s sectioned off, so you’ve got your weight stretch, your resistance machines and so on.”

The centre will particularly focus on getting young children active, with Born 2 Move sessions, aimed at two- to six-year-olds.

The programme features basic movements for young children, helping them build their co-ordination.

And for adults there’s a wide range of activities, including yoga, pilates, kettle bells, studio cycling, body conditioning and walking circuits.

LED memberships – especially the sign-up now, don’t pay until November deal – have been selling well in the build-up to the opening.

“It’s been really good,” says Lana Hughes, LED’s sales advisor. “My phone hasn’t stopped!

“People have been really interested, and it’s been nice, especially for Seaton’s residents.

“They really wanted a gym, so they are excited about it.”