GETTING in shape. That’s a new £100,000 fitness and leisure centre which is scheduled to open its doors in Bury town centre early next year.

The two men behind the ambitious project to convert an empty building in Back Broad Street into the high-profile gym are Gary Price and Adam Crowley of ARG Leisure Ltd.

Both are directors of the 101 Group which, apart from the new leisure division, also includes the 101 pub in Bury.

Mr Price said: “We’ve started refurbishment work to create the new centre which will be called 101 Fitness.

The ground-floor build-ing has been empty for six years and before that was an office and a dance studio.

“We believe there is a large market in Bury for what we are going to provide.

“Because the building has been empty for some time, there is quite a bit of work to do, including new ceilings and a roof. We believe it’s going to become a unique business for Bury town centre.”

He added: “This will a fitness and leisure centre with a difference. The gym will consist of the latest in strength and conditioning equipment, with classes and private personal training sessions also available. We will look to pride ourselves on individual service.

“We will not be looking at thousands of members but for a select few hundred to work closely with and help them develop and improve on the areas in which they desire. We also believe in the social side of the gym. This venture will be linked closely with the 101 bar and several well know brands in and around Bury to help people get the most out of your membership. Those who sign up with get discounts at several local businesses.”

The new 101 Fitness centre should be operational by January and could lead to the launch of a second, similar gym elsewhere.