A popular St Albans gym has reopened under new owners, family-run Ab Salute Gym.

In May, One YMCA announced it had taken the "difficult decision" to close the Highfield Community Gym, choosing to focus resources and attention on working with the most vulnerable across Hertfordshire.

At the time, there were hopes that the gym would find a new provider, despite scarce information about its future.

But last month, the site at 59 Russet Drive got a new occupant.

While they've made an understated arrival in St Albans, the new owners have big plans for what they call a 'new era' for the gym - with a revamp set to be completed this winter.

Managing director Colin Hall said: "We are immensely proud that Highfield Park Trust are giving us the opportunity to bring unique facilities to the area.

"We have extensive ideas for the centre, with a complete renovation to the building we are going to inject the most prestigious gym equipment in the world.

"Not only will we cater for the avid gym user, but we also have the most innovative golf simulator studio available. "

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On its website, Ab Salute promise that "not a wall will be missed" during the extensive refurb of the site.

It also promises new facilities, including a five-a-side football pitch, state-of-the-art golf simulator and a sports bar.

One YMCA had managed the site for many years before being taking the decision to close.

At the time, CEO Guy Foxall said: "We know how important the gym is for people's health and wellbeing, however, with the cost of living being at an all-time high and affecting so many of our community we have made the necessary decision to focus our resources to enable us to change and save even more lives locally, especially among the young, the homeless and those recovering from abuse."

Ab Salute Gym already operate centres in Bishop’s Stortford, Braintree, Brentwood, Chelmsford, Lakeside, and Romford.