Fitness club chain, Next Generation (NG), could be about to sell its shares on the London Stock Exchange (LSE).

The sale would allow the chain to gather funding for its proposed expansion drive, as the company has announced development plans to open seven more Next Generation clubs in the UK.

The immediate future of the company became open to speculation after The Times reported Scott Lloyd, managing director, as saying that a flotation “is a likely option”.

He later issued a statement to Leisure Opportunities, which said: “It has always been Next Generation’s policy to explore all funding avenues and partners to maintain its prominent position within the UK leisure market.”

“Naturally, as part of any discussions about finance to grow the business, the board deliberates all options, which do include flotation,” he said.

The statement was issued just hours before Next Generation opened its Cambridge site.

The £12m development, in Coldhams Lane business park, measures 112,000sq ft and aims to attract up to 5,000 members.

Facilities include eight indoor and five outdoor tennis courts, three squash courts, four badminton courts, and indoor swimming pool and a fully equipped gym with cv stations, aerobic and yoga studios.

Scott Lloyd, commenting the launch, said: “Each Next Generation opening is carefully considered so that we can provide exceptional facilities with the staff to match them. Cambridge will meet all the Next Generation standards and we are looking forward to joining the local community.”

Next Generation currently has a nationwide membership of around 65,000 in its 10 clubs. Details: www.ngclubs.co.uk