Newmarket’s economy will be given a huge boost in 2012 with the opening of a new spa at Bedford Lodge Hotel, with more than 40 jobs set to be created.
Neighbouring Rockfield House, which was purchased by Bedford Lodge owners Review Hotels Ltd last year, has been granted change of use planning permission to become The Spa at Bedford Lodge Hotel. Scheduled to open next summer, the development will lead to around 40 jobs when completed and scores of further employment opportunities throughout the building stages.
Bedford Lodge Chief Executive Noel Byrne explained that the announcement was great news for both the hotel and Newmarket. He added: “We are passionate about providing opportunities to local people so we’re extremely pleased that our new spa will give such a boost to the town. 2012 is going to be a very exciting year for Bedford Lodge.”
The four-star hotel in Bury Road is currently undergoing a separate £1.5 million expansion programme to include the creation of 21 new bedrooms, with at least 25 new jobs to be introduced at the hotel as a result.
The hotel also benefited from a £60,000 investment in new digital television equipment in May, while in recent years its reception area has been transformed and its health and fitness club refurbished. Its seven meeting and banqueting rooms have also been modernised with state of the art audio-visual systems.
£500,000 has already been invested in the transformation of the 19th century Rockfield House which was once part of the estate of the sixth Duke of Bedford. Set in approximately an acre of grounds, the property was most recently owned by Forest Heath District Council. It has been empty for some time.
Mr Byrne added: “Rockfield House is a truly beautiful building which has retained many of its original features such as its high ceilings and grand staircase. These will all be restored to their former glory as the spa is created.
“The Spa at Bedford Lodge will be open to the public by appointment for a range of treatments including manicures, pedicures, full body massages, facials and many more, as well as day spa and residential spa breaks. It is likely to become a real asset to Newmarket and the surrounding area which doesn’t currently have anything else of its kind.”
For more information, please visit www.bedfordlodgehotel.co.uk or call 01638 663175.
Photo shows: Rockfield House, which will become The Spa at Bedford Lodge next year.