NATCHEZ — Work is underway to modify a portion of the Natchez Mall to accommodate a new Planet Fitness location that is scheduled to open later this year, a mall official said.

Construction has been underway for a few weeks on a portion of the mall between Goodys department store and Ollie’s Bargain Outlet and recently an exterior wall facing the parking lot was removed.

A section of the mall parking lot in front of the exposed wall was roped off Tuesday to keep people from getting too close to the construction work as workers used a backhoe and a Bobcat to remove debris.

Natchez Mall Manager Rochelle Haynes confirmed Tuesday afternoon that the work is for the new Planet Fitness location.

Earlier this year, Planet Fitness announced plans to open a location in the Natchez Mall with a target opening date of “fall of 2019.”

“The 12,000 square foot Natchez Planet Fitness will offer state-of-the-art cardio machines and strength equipment, 30-minute express circuit, fully equipped locker rooms with day lockers and showers, numerous flat-screen televisions, HydroMassage loungers, massage chairs, tanning beds, a Total Body Enhancement booth and more,” company officials said in making the announcement in January. “We’re excited to bring a ‘Judgment Free’ experience to Natchez, where residents can break a sweat for just $10 a month,” said Scott Lyons, regional director of United PF Partners, a Planet Fitness Franchisee Group that currently operates 120 locations across 10 states.

Memberships will range from $10 per month to $21.99 per month, Lyons said.

Messages left with Planet Fitness corporate headquarters seeking more information for this story were not immediately returned Tuesday.