Phnom Penh Municipal Hall announced plans on Sunday to build the city’s first indoor public gym on the riverside in Daun Penh district’s Chey Chumneah commune.

Seng Leng, chief of Chey Chumneah commune, said he received an announcement letter from City Hall last week but was not aware of when construction would start.

“It will be built in an area approximately 30 metres by 50 metres in order to make it easier for people to exercise. The area has a good atmosphere because it is near the riverside and is safe,” he said yesterday.

The municipal website said the gym would open in April or May with about 13 different types of exercise equipment imported from overseas.

Since residents of Phnom Penh are interested in improving their health through outdoor exercise, city hall decided to build a public gym for the people, the website said.

“City hall hopes and strongly believes that all people will use the equipment responsibly and consider it their property in order to be good citizens.”

The website added that city hall has plans for more recreation centres in the near future.