A NEW gym could be set to open at a Hereford shopping centre.

Plans have been submitted to Herefordshire Council for permission to change the use of a vacant unit in Maylord Shopping Centre.

The first-floor 400 sq m unit was previously the home of Next and the shopping centre's cafe but could soon become a 24-hour gym if the plans are approved.

Colin Bell, Maylord Shopping Centre manager, said: "We have gone through the strategic side of it and we can offer the gym with a 24-hour, seven-day operation.

"What we have got is all subject to planning consent because there is a change of use."

He added that, if approved, there would be a 12 to 14 week shop fit because of the specialist equipment that would be going in.