AROUND 80 jobs will be created at two new gym businesses set to open in the city.

PureGym, which operates more than 90 operating gyms in the UK, has taken over the former Virgin Active site which closed at the end of March.

The move will create 30 new jobs at Gallagher Leisure Park, Thornbury. The firmPuregym is planning to open the new gym this summer. It will be its second gym in the city in addition to its gym at the Enterprise 5 retail park at Idle.

Meanwhile, Around 50 full and part-time jobs are being created by affordable gyms group Xercise4Less, as part of an expansion plan which is targeting 100 sites by the end of 2016.

The Leeds-based company, which launched in 2009 to provide value-for-money venues and currently operates at 26 sites, hopes the new venture will attract up to 7,500 members.

It is investing around £1 million to convert the former Saveco cash and carry warehouse on Preston Street in Listerhills. The Bradford site will also operate as a regional staff training centre and is set to open in August.

Xercise4Less states in its planning application that the proposed venture would bring a disused property back into use and help reduce vandalism, as well as boosting the local economy.

It says its sites provide up to 400 pieces of equipment together with large studios, spinning classes, and ladies only sections.They are typically 50 per cent larger than other affordable gyms with a minimum floor space of between 2,750 and 3,000 sq m, which are fully staffed.

The Bradford gym would be open between 8am and 10pm.

An Xercise4Less spokesman said: “We have earmarked Bradford as an ideal location as part of our ambitious expansion plans. and believe that our model of affordable gym membership will appeal to local people.

“This is also an important investment in the city where it will help improve the local economy and create a range of job opportunities with full training.”

The Puregym site will have more than 220 pieces of the latest equipment . Investment is also being made in new changing facilities, modern showers, and training zones.

Angela Crawshaw, Puregym property director, said; “We are delighted to be making affordable fitness even more accessible to Bradford and we are continually looking for more sites to make fitness and a healthy lifestyle accessible for everyone. “