A recent Oxford Brookes University graduate is to open Anytime Fitness' latest UK health club below an apartment complex in central Basingtoke, Hampshire, next month (May).

The 1,500 member capacity venue is located in a previously vacant unit opposite the town's railway station and will contain more than 50 pieces of equipment supplied by Precor.

A full renovation is being carried out ahead of the launch of the new health club, which will be open 24 hours a day and incorporate private changing rooms and security systems.

Norbury, who graduated 18 months ago, said: "My aim is to launch a convenient fitness facility where we know your name and your goals."

Following his graduation from Oxford Brookes, Norbury has worked in marketing but said he had always wanted to own and operate his own business.

"I realised quite quickly that start up concepts often fall short, whereas franchise models that have a proven track record are successful more often than not," he said.

"I researched various franchises for over six months, began discussions with Anytime Fitness and have never looked back."

Basingstoke will join Anytime Fitness' four existing locations in the UK - including two in Bristol; Hemel Hempstead; and London. A number of new UK sites are also in the pipeline.

Details: www.anytimefitness.co.uk