US-based health club franchise Anytime Fitness has announced the opening of its new UK headquarters at the Riverside Shopping Centre in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire.

The group's new base includes a flagship 4,700sq ft (437sq m) gym on the first floor - the first in the UK to showcase Anytime Fitness' new design package. Equipped with machines from Precor's Experience Series strength and cardiovascular range, the new gym offers monthly memberships at £32.95 and is open 24 hours a day.

Anytime Fitness UK managing director Andy Thompson said: "The opening of the UK headquarters and flagship gym provides us with a site that we can showcase to potential franchisees, enabling the brand to continue to grow within the UK. "Our first franchised club in Bristol now has over 1,500 members, with further growth anticipated before the end of its first year. A further six club openings are planned for the next 6-12 months."

Precor UK sales director Jez Whitling added: "The Anytime Fitness flagship gym and head office at Hemel Hempstead provides the local area with a high quality but convenient and affordable facility, with top of the range equipment."