An entrepreneur has approached Merton Council to take over a derelict site and turn it into a new gym.

The former Virgin Active site at Battle Close, North Road, in Wimbledon, has been closed since December, after an agreement was made with Merton Council to surrender its lease.

Now entrepreneur Danny Keith has contacted the council in a bid to take over the site and open up a franchise of easyGym.

Mr Keith, who grew up in Merton but now lives in Carshalton, is a previous gym owner, having owned YourZone45 in Colliers Wood.

He sold this gym earlier this month and says he wants to focus 100 percent on getting easyGym open and taking over the Battle Close site.

Mr Keith said: “I owned a gym in Colliers Wood which I sold recently to pursue this project.

“If the council were to agree, I could have the new gym up and running almost immediately.

“I chose this site as I know the area very well. I would like to work with the current council to make this happen rather than fight against other plans.”

A Merton Council spokesman said: “Since Virgin Active left Battle Close in December, we’ve received some expressions of interest and are actively assessing the options.

“Our final decision will be based on best financial value for taxpayers and one what benefits the site can offer the local community.

“For instance, although the government has ruled out its use as school, as it is too small, we are looking at other possibilities, including much-needed housing.”

More than 26 squatters broke into the site earlier this month through a gap in the bars and allegedly made their way to the sauna and steam facilities.

The police and Merton Council worked together to evict the squatters as they left on March 8 with the council tightening up security at the site to prevent further break ins.