A GYM is set to reopen next month after a £1 million transformation.

BH Live Active in Wareham Road, Corfe Mullen will open for a preview day on Sunday, November 13 between 10am and 5pm.

The following day, Monday, November 14, the gym will be open for business from 6am.

The site was previously operated by Virgin Active, but BH Live acquired the lease earlier this year after the building had stood empty for two years.

Peter Gunn, BH Live chief executive, said: "The wait is almost over and we are really looking forward to opening the doors to this fabulous new centre.

"We have had phenomenal support from the local authorities, community and businesses while the improvements have been taking place. We have also had lots of interest in our introductory membership offers which has been very encouraging.

"As the centre’s transformation nears completion, we continue to explore further expansion opportunities across the south of England during 2017."

The gym will offer an exercise referral activity programme to encourage people living with health conditions into physical activity.

Visitors will still be able to play tennis, while residents will be consulted about the possibility of a new five-a-side football course or multi-use games area in the grounds.

A new soft play zone for pre-school children and the Terrace Café and bar complete the centre’s makeover.

A learn-to-swim programme for adults and children will begin in 2017.

BH Live Active’s 813 Club will also launch to encourage young people and families to get more active together.

Councillor Paul Harrison, of East Dorset District Council, said: "I am delighted this fantastic venue has been safeguarded and significantly improved as a community hub for health and wellbeing.

"It’s a superb facility and has been well worth waiting for."

In February of this year, it was announced that BH Live had taken over Fitness First’s original gym in Bournemouth.

Just two weeks later, the organisation revealed it would also take on the Corfe Mullen gym.

BH Live already runs the Littledown, Stokewood, Sir David English and Pelhams clubs in Bournemouth.