AN OLYMPIC gold medallist will be opening a new gym and swimming pool next to the Kassam Stadium later this month.

Tim Foster, who won rowing gold in Sydney alongside Sir Matthew Pinsent, Sir Steve Redgrave and James Cracknell in 2000, will open The Park Club on February 26.

Formally DW Fitness, it will be managed by Soll Leisure a charity leisure management company based at Milton Park.

The firm said it wanted to support the community in becoming more active and improving health.

Health and wellbeing manager for Soll Leisure, Richard Claydon, said: "We are looking forward to welcoming those that live and work in the area into the club to show what we have to offer and how we can help.

"We are more than just a gym and believe that offering an event like this can inspire people to get more active and take the first steps in making changes to benefit their lifestyle."