Budget fitness chain Xercise4less is to open a new £1m "supergym" in Stockton-on-Tees, Durham, later this year.

The new facility is to be located in a 32,000sq ft (3,000sq m) former retail warehouse on a prominent island site adjacent to Mandale Road, George Street and Middle Street.

Although exact details are to be confirmed, memberships will begin at £14,99 per month and facilities will include a range of cv and resistance stations, a free weights section and one of the largest aerobics studios in the area.

Jon Wright, managing director of Xercise4less, said the Stockton opening had been in the planning for a while.

"We have had our eye on the Stockton area for some time, but have been waiting for the right site," he said.

"Clearly the local market is ripe for a low cost health centre, because people can no longer afford the £35+ monthly membership fee that so many gyms now charge. We are in tough times."

The announcement comes as entrepreneur and investor Neil Ewin joins Xercise4less as a non executive director. He is expected to offer financial support to roll out the brand in the north of England.

Ewin said: "I've known Jon Wright for many years and he was a pioneer of the budget gym model in northern England at his gym in Xscape, Castleford in West Yorkshire."

He added that Xercise4less is now in advanced negotiations on further sites across the North and talks are continuing to agree lease terms on a number of properties.

Image: Jon Wright of Xercise4less (left) with new non-executive director, Neil Ewin