A NEW luxury gym is set to open in Southend city centre, with plans submitted to the council for it to replace the former Anytime Fitness. 

F45 Training has applied for new signage at the site of the former gym in Maitland House, on Warrior Square. 

The luxury gym brand has rapidly expanded in recent years and is backed by famous faces including actor Mark Wahlberg, but this will be its first site in south Essex. 

READ MORE >> Poundland bosses issue update after Pitsea shop forced to close by 'mouse'

F45 has put an application in to “install one internally illuminated fascia sign, one externally illuminated logo fascia sign, one internally illuminated projecting lightbox to front, and install vinyl decals fitted internally to front glazing”.

Carole Mulroney, deputy councillor responsible for economic recovery and regeneration, insisted it is positive news for the area. 

She said: “Any new business, especially a business we have never seen or had here before, is really welcome.

“It shows that there is confidence in Southend for companies like this that are well-known in the London area, who also obviously have a good reputation.

“We have a lot of people that work in London and live in Southend, so it is a brand that will probably be familiar to some people too, in which case it bodes well.

“So, we really welcome new business, reusing an already established site.

“A new business, a new brand for Southend, is a very welcomed addition.

“It would also be good to fill up an empty unit, as you don’t want a unit, especially like this one, being empty for any length of time.

“It is beneficial for them too as it has already got the established use there being a gym prior,

“It all sounds really good.”

F45 has gyms across the UK, with the majority based in London.