An entrepreneur in Bedford is planning to launch a new multi-million pound independent health club aimed at the upper end of the market.

Local businessman and racquet sports enthusiast Matthew Towers – who is financing the venture through a combination of personal capital and bank funding – is managing director of The Towers Health & Racquet Club, which is due to open in February 2017.

The new club will offer seven tennis courts (three indoor), four squash courts, a 100-station gym, two dance studios, an indoor cycling studio, a 20m (66ft) swimming pool and a spa. The 500sq m (5,381sq ft) gym will feature mix of cardio, strength, kinesis and functional equipment, with Towers currently in the process of selecting a supplier.

“We are delighted to be bringing this brand new, state-of-the-art facility to Bedford. The town has long suffered from a lack of investment in high quality sports and leisure facilities,” said Towers.

“Whilst there are a number of gyms in the town, most of these have moved down-market, and there is pent-up demand for a new, up-market competitor offering the levels of kit and service that discerning gym users now expect.”

Hooper Architects are designing the health club, with building work already underway.