PLANS to build a £3.5million health club on the site of the disused supermarket are being submitted to the council.

The Kwik Save building at New Hall Hey, Rawtenstall, has stood empty since its closure earlier this year.

Property developers Hurst-wood bought the site in August, and it has now been put to the council that the building could be transformed into a health club.

If plans are approved the club, The Brooks Health and Leisure venture, could be open by next spring and would feature exercise facilities, an holistic studio and a 25-metre pool.

The proposed club will be a flagship feature of Hurstwood's £100 million regeneration plans for Rawtenstall, which will also provide an array of retail superstores, offices, a hotel, conference and leisure facilities.

Facilities will also include a 5,000 square feet split-level gym, an aerobics studio, a spa pool, steam room and sauna and a café bar.

It is anticipated it will be the first of five Brooks Health and Leisure clubs to be rolled out across the north west over the next six years.

The centre is the brainchild of Louise Brooks and Stephen Ashworth.

Louise, who owned a successful fitness club in Bury for 10 years said: "We are excited to bring to the people of Rossendale, a premier health and leisure club for which there is huge demand from residents and businesses."

Stephen Ashworth, chair-man of Hurstwood Property company, said: "As a family man living here in Rossendale I am concerned about the lack of health, fitness and leisure facilities.

"Louise and I have identified a sound business opportunity and at the same time meet a real need for the community.