Industry News

An ambitious scheme to create a luxury spa and health club and additional 35 bedrooms at a Durham hotel is hoping to get the go-ahead from councillors.

Hardwick Hall Hotel near Sedgefield is currently awaiting planning permission for the £13m scheme, which if successful will see work begin late 2023.

The exciting new scheme will rejuvenate buildings that have been derelict for more than 60 years, as well as creating 140 temporary construction jobs and 63 new full and part jobs once completed.

The spa development will include a 25m swimming pool, a state-of-the-art gym, aerobics studio, spa bath house, thermal suite a swim in/swim out pool and spa garden.

It will also offer 13 treatment rooms, relaxation areas, changing facilities and a restaurant with private dining options.

The application includes a proposal for an additional 35 bedrooms which will be built on two storeys in the style of a coach house around a courtyard which will also house the main spa pool.

There will be 33 premier rooms, with Juliet balconies on the upper level and private garden space for the ground floor along with two large suites.

The designs have been created to ensure they are in keeping with the existing look of the hotel with materials having been “carefully selected to be sympathetic to and complement the existing hotel and setting.”

John Adamson, owner of Ramside Estates, believes the scheme will be a huge boost not just for the hotel but for the area.

“The proposed development supports Visit County Durham ambition to increase the visitor economy while also adding to more beds for visitors to the county,” he said.

“It will be a flagship development for the area which will absolutely create more awareness and drive more visitors which is positive not just for the hotel but for the county as a whole.

“We look forward to Durham County Council giving it the green light so we can get started on bringing something really exceptional to the area.”