Bannatyne fitness set to enter the London market Bannatyne Fitness is expanding its network of health clubs and opening its first London site.

The £6m club, in Grove Park, south west London, marks the group's most substantial individual investment to date.

Bannatyne's Health Club - Grove Park will feature a gym, an aerobic studio and a spinning studio. A wet area will include a 20-metre swimming pool, spa, sauna and steam room. The club will also have an outdoor floodlit football pitch.

The company is hoping to introduce a nursery school to the club, and is currently in negotiation with operators.

Chairman Duncan Bannatyne said: 'All over the UK we have been attracting new members keen to get fit in an environment suited to the stresses of modern working life. Bringing this formula to the capital makes now an exciting time for Bannatyne, and I'm sure the Grove Park club will prove popular with local people.'

Bannatyne operates 21 health clubs across the UK under the Bannatyne's Health Clubs and Bannatyne's Just Fitness brands, and has more than 42,000 members nation wide. The group has invested more than £20m in an expansion programme for 2002 and has plans to open a further three clubs in Kent, Cheltenham and Chingford by the end of the year.

The Grove Park club is scheduled to open in July.