Work has begun on a new venue for the Topnotch chain.

The 26,000sq ft site, located in the historic town of Colchester, was formerly a Trebor confectionery factory and is currently undergoing a conversion at a cost of more than £1.5m.

As well as the usual facilities available at Topnotch gyms, the new site will include a ladies only gym and a weight management centre.

We are delighted to be offering the community an exciting, state-of-the-art health and fitness club, including all the distinctive zones for which Topnotch is renowned. We expect the new club to generate enormous interest, said chief executive, Matthew Harris. The new club is set to open in January 2002.