MEMBERS of the area's newest fitness club will step back in time to the building's industrial past.

Many features, including stone work and steel girders, have either been newly exposed or preserved at the new £2.2 million Cannons Health Club at White Cross, Guiseley.

Up until last year the home of DIY and builders merchants Arnold Lavers, the two storey warehouse is being transformed into a modern health club with a 20 metre swimming pool, studios, gym and bar area.

Original industrial brickwork, covered in plaster, has been exposed, features have been made of steel girders and metal ducting left uncovered to give the building its industrial feel.

Due to open next month with a predicted membership of 800, the £2.2 million club is part of an exclusive development including apartments in the converted grade two listed 100 year old former tramshed.

The club has just finished recruiting its 40 members of staff, and has signed up more than 600 people to the club.

Alison Shaw from Rawdon, the club's general manager, said they were aiming to be an adult focused club, although there would be a creche and facilities for younger members.

Most of the interest so far has come from people in their 30s with many older people with grown up children also signing up.

The club also features beauty treatment rooms and large plasma television screens in all areas, including the changing rooms.

The club is the second Cannons venture in West Yorkshire with a sister club at Cottingley.

The former tram shed, originally designed by Victorian architect Sidney Kitson, lends itself very well to a health club.

Cannons, which usually builds purpose-built clubs, has exploited the original features of the building and based the whole feel of the club on its industrial heritage.

Lee Barron, project manager, said the centre had been designed with the idea of people being able to see either the pool or the adjacent water feature from any position within the building.

Steel stairs and large windows all contribute to the industrial feel of the building.

Installation of the fitness equipment is expected to take place shortly and an open weekend will be held at the club on Saturday September 27 and on Sunday, September 28.