World-class coaching and facilities are planned for a gym at Chester Rugby Club.
The Athlete Factory, which will cost close to a seven-figure sum, will be used by professional teams, local clubs and the public.
Former England rugby union international Phil Greening and an elite coaching team are behind the idea.
Designs for the site include a gym, turfed area and indoor running track with added space for a nutrition bar, fitness suite and classroom.
Mr Greening, who won 24 caps for England, said: “Chester RUFC have aspirations to make themselves a hub for the community. The partnership is a great synergy and site is perfect.
“It feels right to do something here in Chester and this will be our flagship site.”
The Athlete Factory team have worked with international rugby teams including England, Wales and New Zealand as well as crossing into other sports with Manchester City, Manchester United and Warrington Wolves.
Their aim is to work with a number of local partners including clubs, schools and organisations such as Active Cheshire.
The former international said: “Most of all I am hoping we are the hub for teams in the area and having great results in the community is a big thing for us.
“There’s a massive amount of talent here and we want talent in the North to stay in the North.”
But individuals will also have access to their coaching knowledge and the facilities.
Mr Greening said: “We are going have total care whether it’s elite athletes or your mum trying to get fit after giving birth.
“It needs to be the right people with clear goals, but each person will get a consultation with us and from there we can work out a tailored programme.”
These programmes are not just for the gym and include full nutritional plans and use of the Athlete Factory training app out of workout hours.
A structured schedule will see different groups using the facilities at allocated times in the day.
The former British and Irish Lion said: “This isn’t your typical gym where all you need is a card to swipe in, every time there will be someone to work with you.
“Our experience means we know what works and can help get them quickly and in the right way.”
Harrow School will be the first in a line of teams to come to Chester as they hold their pre-season training at the site this month.
The planning application for the facility was approved in May and building should start in September, with the hope of being ready for February 2016.
Mr Greening, who is now an assistant coach for the USA rugby sevens side, said: “It’s unbelievable to finally get going.
“I’ve been moving around, but now my family have settled here in Chester and a big thing for me is just to be part of a rugby club again.”
