Work on a multi-million pound health and fitness centre in Eastbourne gets under way next week.

Thirty jobs will be created at the £5 million, 23,300sq ft complex in Willingdon Drove, Hampden Park.

It will include a 20-metre swimming pool, large gym with four big television screens, a sauna and spa area and two large studios offering more than 60 weekly classes.

Other features at the three storey site will include a cafe-bar, a 115-space car park with seven disabled bays, mind and body room and a steam room.

Operator Bannatyne Fitness, which is based in Blackpool and has 25 centres across the UK, will open three more clubs, including Eastbourne, by the end of the year. It aims to have 40 clubs operating in the UK by the end of 2004.

The Eastbourne club will open from 7am to 11pm.

Chairman Duncan Bannatyne said: "As well as bringing a top quality health club to Eastbourne, we'll also create new jobs.

"This company has seen tremendous growth over the past couple of years, which reflects people's desire to keep fit in well-equipped and high quality surroundings.

"I'm sure our club in Eastbourne will prove popular.

"The demand for high quality health clubs is increasing as more and more people look at themselves and realise that a healthy regime is becoming an integral part of their lifestyle.

"We are constantly looking for new sites across the UK that will enhance the towns and cities we enter.

"They generate employment, investment and become an established part of local communities."

Lib Dem-run Eastbourne Borough Council granted approval to the centre last October, after receiving only two objections. Tourism bosses believe it will aid the council's bid to attract more investment into Eastbourne.