THE Odyssey Clubs Group, due to open its £5 million health and fitness club on the former Glory Mill site in the spring, has expanded its presence in the area by acquiring The Workshop in Henley-on-Thames.

The group has purchased the Henley fitness club from former jewellery tycoon Gerald Ratner in a deal worth £3.4 million and has re-named it Odyssey Henley.

Construction work on the 35,000 sq ft site at Glory Mill, Wooburn Green, has continued for nearly a year and is on schedule.

Facilities will include a 20-metre pool, an 8,000 sq ft gymnasium, two aerobic studios, sauna, steam room and spa. There will be parking for 200 cars.

Sarah Thorne, the club's general manager, is now recruiting staff locally and 50 new jobs will be created.

She said that the membership team had already signed up more than 1,500 members and reported interest from people all over the county.

Sarah added: "Improvements at Odyssey Henley are planned, including an extension to the main building providing more space for the pool, new food and beverage areas, plus additional parking."