FITNESS fanatics poured into a city centre gym that could open around the clock to marvel at its £900,000 makeover.

Pure Gym opened its doors for the first time in St Ebbe's Street on Monday after the venue closed as a LA Fitness almost 10 weeks ago.

It came four days after the company opened its first 24-hour gym in the city at Cowley's Templars Shopping Park.

Brass band players surrounded by balloons welcomed potential gym-goers to the new venue, which was the 150th club opened by Pure Gym

Sales support manager James Simcock said: "It's exciting that we are on our 150th club. Health and fitness is one of the key things in everyone's life.

"We are trying to promote health and fitness in a really positive way. Having a low price and being non-contract, it does help people who may not have been able to afford to pay in the past.

"There is nothing really low cost in Oxford. It's nice to have a place that does not cost the Earth."

Mr Simcock said the city centre gym will currently open between 6am and 10pm but the company hopes to open 24/7 if Oxford City Council grants permission.

The refurbished venue now boasts a large fitness room – which replaced a swimming pool, sauna and steam room that were removed during the works.

More than 50 weekly classes and more than 200 cardiovascular and fitness machines will be on offer for members, who can join for £14.99 a month

The Cowley gym, which took over two empty retail units at the shopping park in Between Towns Road, will open 24 hours a day despite being next to residential areas.

Mr Simcock said opening around the clock would not disturb any residents living near to either of the sites as music is kept at a controlled level within the venues.

He added: "People who are going there are going only to train – there are not going there to do anything mischievous or anything untoward.

"People work what they have to these days and we want everyone to have access to health and fitness."

Mr Simcock said the gyms will be monitored by company Kings Security, who will keep a watchful eye on the venues from 10pm.

There will also be a member of staff and cleaner on site during the early hours, who will be first aid-trained, and the changing rooms will close between midnight and 5am.

All members will only be able to access the gyms with a unique pin code, which will be emailed and text to them after joining.

Pure Gym, which bought LA Fitness' 43 clubs across the country, has created 20 jobs at the Cowley site, which features a free weights area, gym area and a studio on the ground floor.

A mezzanine floor also features a second gym area and cycle area, as well as lockers and changing rooms.